Obituaries

Alzada, I am so sorry for your loss. John, got me interested in the various masonic group at Draper and MIT and I thank him for that. He will be missed by all those he touched. God Bless

Posted by Bill Otenti on November 13, 2013

Uncle John was very special to all of us and he lived a long wonderful life. Some of my youngest and most vivid memories were of George, Bobby, and I with Grandpa Rogers and Uncle John. We would go to the Nipmuck Rod and Gun Club to shoot bows and arrows or our .22 rifles, or just fish. We also went to almost every pond or lake in the area to fish, in all seasons including ice fishing. Uncle John gave up many of his weekends for us. We’d go to Grandpa and Grandma Roger’s house for Christmas Eve and to your house on Christmas Day. We were lucky to have our extended family all around us so that we could have many people to help take care of us and we were able to grow up with our cousins. Uncle John and Aunt Al were always so kind to us and made sure we knew we were part of their family. It wasn’t until I was older that I realized how important the Freemasons and Eastern Stars were to Uncle John. He dedicated a significant amount of his time to this group, and I believe he achieved a high rank with them. I’m sure it was based on his attitude and hard work. I never really knew what Uncle John did for work. But I did know that after he retired he drove a school bus and was a favorite of the elementary school children, celebrating their birthdays and making sure they got back and forth to school safely. Amazingly, he drove a school bus until he was in his 80’s! It made a great impression on me that Aunt Al and Uncle John had great faith. they both accepted Jesus Christ into their lives and they were open about it, in an area and at a time when it wasn’t the popular thing to do. I recount all of these memories to celebrate Uncle John’s life. In my opinion he lived a wonderful life with a kind heart. I’m not saying he was perfect and we all have faults. But Uncle John didn’t spend his time chasing wealth. He wasn’t conceited or self-centered. He cared about others and gave his time and efforts to people and organizations that mattered to him. I’m certain he made a difference in many peoples’ lives because he made a difference in mine. I know his family will miss Uncle John greatly. But you must also know he is in a far better place. Surely Uncle John is in Heaven and sits at the table with Jesus Christ. He lived a long and full life and truly focused on what was important. I’m so happy that I was able to see Uncle John last Summer. I am proud to have known him.

Posted by Jeff Wakeman on October 7, 2013

On behalf of Leominster Royal Arch Chapter, I'd like to express our deepest sympathies in the passing of Brother John. Johns smiling face and comments will be sadly missed. A quick funny story, I was vacationing in Florida and the Chapter allegedly voted to have me be High Priest for life. When I came back our Honorary Members John & Bill were visiting as they did a lot. I was told of my life election and I referred to John, can you get me out of this? He started laughing and told me I was it forever, or at least until I learned all the High Priest Lectures. Which he knew that was never going to happen. You just had to be there. It was a good belly laugh. I was extremely proud to be associated with John and will miss his smiling face. What a great man!

Posted by Dale Prentiss LRAC on October 5, 2013

I love you pa. Rest easy.

Posted by jackie elfman on October 5, 2013