John F Gilchrist Jr

John F. Gilchrist, Jr. 85 longtime Shrewsbury resident passed away with his family gathered at his bedside Monday, April 13th 2015. John was born in Worcester, the son of John F. Gilchrist, Sr and Mary E (Finnegan) Gilchrist. He graduated from St John's High School Worcester Campus, joined the U.S. Army serving his country proudly during the Korean War. Upon his return from service, John met and in 1957 married the woman who would become the love of his life for the next 57 years Patricia A. Sherman. They settled in Northborough where they lived many years before moving to Shrewsbury 16 years ago. John began his working years by accepting a job with the General Motors Assembly Plant in Framingham where he worked for more than 25 years, and retired from the EDS Division. He then accepted a position as a computer operator at the Perini Construction Company for another 10 years before retiring. John is survived by his wife Patricia; his son, Michael T. Gilchrist and his fiancée Barbara J. Boulanger of Shrewsbury, and his daughter, Patricia A. Arcure and her husband John of Oxford; a sister, Jean Murphy and her husband Phillip of Cumberland RI; two grandchildren he adored, Ryan Clifford and Stephanie Clifford; and a multitude Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and friends. John was a member of St Mary Church; He was an avid reader, well known to the Shrewsbury Public Library where he would sign out up to eight books a week. He loved to travel, tend his yard and garden, and the beaches of Maine in the summer. His joy was his family, he was proud of his grandchildren, whom he watched before and after school for many years, attending all their activities, sporting events and involvements. They were his pride and joy. John's family would like to extend their deepest thanks to the care of the Doctors and Nurses of Umass Medical Center ICU Unit on the sixth floor, and especially RN Margaret and RN Rebecca. Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours Friday, April 17th from 4 pm to 7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Worcester, MA. His funeral will be held Saturday, April 18th from the funeral home with a procession to St Mary's Church 640 Main St Shrewsbury where his celebration of life funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Shrewsbury Public Library, 214 Lake Street, Shrewsbury Mass 01545.