John Absi

John Absi, 72, of Wilmington, NC, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Central Falls, RI, to George and Theresa Absi, John was raised in Fitchburg, MA, where he attended Notre Dame High School. He later graduated from Lowell Technological Institute with a degree in mechanical engineering.

During college, John met Joann, who was attending Fitchburg State College. They married in 1974 and began their journey together in Erie, PA. The couple relocated to Wilmington, NC, 1976 where they raised their two children, Chrissy and Matt.

John’s career as a dedicated and hardworking engineer at General Electric spanned 39 years. After graduating, he joined GE through their Manufacturing Management Program, with his first assignment in the nuclear division in Wilmington, followed by a role in Erie, PA. In 1976, John returned to Wilmington to rejoin the nuclear division, where he would remain for several years. In the early 1980s, he transitioned to GE’s aircraft division, playing a pivotal role in developing the inertia welding process for aircraft engine production. After a long and distinguished career, John retired in 2012.

Beyond his professional achievements, John was passionate about sports and community. He was deeply involved in the early days of the Cape Fear Rugby Club, becoming a vital team member and helping to organize the renowned Cape Fear Sevens tournament for many years. In the early 2000s, he discovered his love for cycling and quickly became an avid rider. He was an active member and membership chair of the Cape Fear Cyclists, participating in and leading weekly rides. John completed multiple Mountains to Coast rides, and in 2016, with good friends, fulfilled an epic biking adventure logging 1,012 miles down the California coast.

In retirement, John continued giving back to his community by volunteering at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. Known for his intelligence, kindness, wit, and quiet strength, John’s presence made a lasting impression on everyone he met.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Joann, with whom he celebrated 50 years of marriage in July; his daughter, Chrissy Absi Bordeaux and her husband Aaron; his son, Matt Absi; and his brother, Paul Absi. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Theresa Absi, and his sister, Anne Guida.

A period of calling hours will be held Friday, October 18, from 10 am to 11 am followed by his prayer service at 11 am in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Burial will follow in St Johns Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Terry Benjey Bicycling Foundation, www.terrybenjeybicyclingfoundation.org, 4408 Wrightsville Ave., Wilmington, NC 28403 or a charity of your choice.