John G MacKoul

John G. MacKoul, 91, of Pepperell, MA, formerly of Chandler Street in Worcester passed away with family gathered at his side Monday January 5th 2015 after a brief period of declining health. John was born in Worcester, one of eleven children of Lebanese/Syrian parents George and Melvina (Kerban) MacKoul. He was educated in Worcester Public Schools. John worked as a civilian contractor for the U.S. Navy as a heavy crane operator in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii during World War II. He returned to Worcester and later settled in Dorchester, MA where he raised his family. He eventually returned to Worcester 21 years ago to live alongside his brothers and sisters until moving to be with his daughter in Pepperell for the last year. As a member of the Machinist Union, John worked as a metal stampings inspector for over 35 years at Modern Die and Machine Company located in Dorchester before retiring in 1988. John is survived by his two children: Leonard "Lenny" MacKoul and his wife Cheryl of Dorchester and Karen M. Ranauro and her husband Paul of Pepperell with whom he lived; the grandchildren whom he adored and who loved him dearly, Anna MacKoul, Julia Ranauro, and Emily MacKoul; and three sisters, Helen Isaac and Margaret Stuart both of Worcester and Adele Metta of Norwood. Five brothers and two sisters, Thomas, E Louis, Michael, Nicholas, Joseph, Mary "Mae" Mitchell, and Ann Coury predeceased him. John was a member of St. George Orthodox Cathedral. He took many wonderful trips with his brothers to Las Vegas and California, and spent many sunny days at Castle Island in South Boston enjoying hot dogs and ice cream with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed golfing in his younger years and was an avid sports fan, especially baseball (New York Yankees), hockey, and horse racing. John's life was a simple one. His children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, and their families were all very special to him. Being in their presence brought John the most happiness. Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours Thursday January 8th from 4 pm to 7 pm, and Friday January 9th from 9:15 am to 10:00 am in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester, MA before proceeding in procession to St. George Orthodox Cathedral, 30 Anna St., Worcester, MA where Rev. Fr. Milad Selim will conduct his funeral service. Burial with family will follow in Hope Cemetery. Fr. Milad will conduct his Trisagion wake service at 6:30 pm Thursday in the funeral home. Memorial remembrances in his name may be made to either St. George Orthodox Cathedral, 30 Anna St. or the Shriners Hospital for Children, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114.