All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts - William Shakespeare, As You Like It

Act I: John Alan Moulton burst onto the world's stage on December 14, 1952. As the first son of John H. Moulton and Micaelitta "Hattie" Rosey Moulton, he took his role of big brother quite seriously, always juxtaposing a childlike innocence with an unwavering commitment to guiding and protecting his siblings.

Annual summer vacations were spent on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where John helped teach his baby sister, Barbara, to swim and raced his younger brother, Stephen, to the raft. Those sacred days were filled with laughter, love, fried clams, and summersault competitions that continued into their adult lives.

After graduating from Roslindale High School in Boston, Massachusetts, John earned an accounting degree from Boston Business School.


Influenced by the family matriarch Hattie Moulton, John displayed a passion for family and a resplendent gift for entertaining, design, and theatre. He cherished his role as uncle, often taking his nephews to the movies and teaching them the value of money by giving them allowances to buy their own candy and popcorn. As a theatre artist, he worked for highly respected companies, including New African Company, the African American Master Artists-in-Residence Program, Lyric Stage, and Wheelock Family Theatre. Perhaps his favorite recurring role—which he performed each Christmas well into adulthood—was waking before anyone stirred, dressed as Santa, and delivering presents to his loved ones.

John held a profound commitment to both Boston's development and equitable housing. He served as the Boston Housing Authority's Housing Manager from 1982 until his retirement in 2016.

A storyteller at heart and not one for sitting, John quickly filled his retirement days as a volunteer reading to children at Martin Luther King School in Dorchester, Massachusetts. He took great pride in participating in and witnessing the growth of Boston's youngest scholars.

Act II: In 2014, John celebrated his eternal love for Dr. William "Bill" H. Alexander with a glorious marriage ceremony that rivaled the monarchy. The majestic gathering—which included tuxes, tails, harps, a grand staircase, and a waterfront backdrop—was evidence of the indelible mark that both John and Bill have had on the Boston community and beyond.

The couple spent their days entertaining, traveling, and attending plays and concerts. Given John's love for Cape Cod, it was no surprise that he and Bill joined the ranks of the ROTC (Retired on the Cape), purchasing a gorgeous home in 2022. John reveled in serving his renowned watercress sandwiches and a luscious assortment of potent margaritas.

Act III: The consummate actor, John, faced mounting health challenges with stoic grace. He held court during his lengthy hospital stays, telling stories laced with drama and intrigue as his healthcare team sat on the edges of their seats, feasting on charcuterie boards. True to his spirit, "Johnny," as he was called by close family, took on the role of nurturing those tasked with caring for him. He was the "spoonful of sugar" that helped "the medicine go down."

John is predeceased by his parents, John H. Moulton and Micaelitta "Hattie" Rosey Moulton, and siblings Alfred W. Pulley, Jr., and Remetha Diane Burrell. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved husband, Dr. William "Bill" H. Alexander of West Yarmouth, Massachusetts; devoted sister, Barbara D. Moulton of North Bethesda, Maryland; loyal brother, Stephen P. (Marcia) Moulton of Durham, North Carolina; loving sisters, Mary (John) Desalvo of Ashland, Massachusetts, and Anne Marie (Joseph) Mazzola of Framingham Massachusetts; brother, Luther “Pete” Pulley; sister-cousin Linda (Samuel) Williams of Boothwyn, Pennsylvania; a host of nieces; nephews, cousins, as well as lifelong friends Louis Eaton, Herbert Jones, and artistic twin, Renita Martin.

Johnny chose joy. He chose life. Fearless, strong, full of poise and pride, he was the author of his story. He taught us all how to live with passion and intention even as he embarked upon his graceful final bow on March 28, 2024.

The family wishes to express our deepest gratitude to the following for the compassion and care they extended to John: Joseph Collins, Ruth Brown, Union United Methodist Church family, Boston, Massachusetts. We also thank the dedicated care team at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, including: Marcie Saganov, Nadia Alcindor, Kate Pawluczonek, Judy Carrington, Elissa Dunn, and Dr. Malgorzata McMasters.

May God continue to bless you all.

A celebration of life will be held in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, in July 2024.