John J. Barone, Jr.

John J. Barone, Jr., 86 of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully after a long illness on Sunday, March 16, 2014 at UMASS Hospital surrounded by his loving family. John is survived by his wife of thirty years, Robbie F. Fair; two sons, Stephen J. Barone and his wife Gabrielle of Wilmington, NC. And Joseph F. Barone of Newton; his daughter, Christine M. Barone of Watertown; three step-sons, Kevin Hill and his wife Karen of Bentonville, AR, Michael Hill of Worcester and Jeffrey Fair of Shrewsbury; nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren. John was born in Worcester, the son of the late John J. and Agnes (Pessolano) Barone. He graduated from Millbury High School. John received his Bachelor's Degree in health and human services from The College of Holy Cross, Class of 1953 and later received his Master's Degree in social work from Boston College. John served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War. John was a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker for to Odd Fellows Home for many years. He then was the Director of Shrewsbury Crossing later retiring from the Odd Fellows Home in 2007. John previously worked as the Executive Director of Worcester Housing Authority for many years. John was a member of St. Anne's Church, a former member of the Knights of Columbus and enjoyed going to Roger's Café at the Shrewsbury Senior Center. John was also a former member of a Broadway Theater Company in his younger years. John loved golfing especially every Sunday. Services for John will be held on Friday, March 21, 2014 from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester with a Mass at 10:00 a.m. in St. Anne's Church, 130 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury. A period of calling hours will be held on Thursday, March 20th from 4-7 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168. To share your thoughts and memories of John, please visit his personal guestbook at www.mercadantefuneral.com