John R McNamara

John R. McNamara, 96 of East Douglas formerly of Millbury closed his eyes on Friday, December 7, 2018 and awoke in heaven, to the loving embrace of his God, Jesus Christ, and his beloved wife Margaret. 

John was born in New Haven Connecticut, the oldest son of John and Elizabeth (Quinn) McNamara.  He grew up in Millville, MA alongside his eight siblings, played clarinet in the school band and loved playing baseball.  After graduation from Blackstone High School, John joined the U.S. Marines Corps serving his country during World War II.  He received his honorable discharge from the Marines and returned to Worcester to become a letter carrier out of June Street Station.

John met the “Love of his life” Margaret Stines and they married on September 4, 1948.  They purchased a home in Millbury where together over the next sixty years, they lived and raised their two daughters with love and devotion to family.   John and Margaret loved camping with their family, spending many years at Cape Cod and Kennebunkport, Me. 

John was a member of the Millbury Lions Club and the National Association of Letter Carriers. He was a little league coach for many years.  John was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church for 60 Years, serving as a lector, member of the Men’s Club and his most treasured experience of bringing the Eucharist to nursing homes.  He moved to East Douglas in 2013 and became a member of St Denis Church.

John loved working with wood, creating many beautiful furnishings for his family’s homes.  He was always ready to lend a hand and help when needed.

He was an avid Red Sox and Patriot fan.  He attended several games at Fenway with Dr. Deborah Hazen – his favorite being opening day of the 2005 season following the breaking of the curse, when the World Series banner went up. He had his dream come through at 82.

John is survived by his two daughters, Priscilla Descoteaux and her husband Thomas with whom he lived, Christine Messier and her husband Roger; a sister, Patricia McNamara of Worcester; five granddaughters, Elizabeth and Eileen Messier, Lauren Klosowski, Katelyn Aquiar and Alissa Wood; eight great grandchildren, Rheianna, Ethan, Adam, Joshua, Andrew, Valerie, Cora and Quinn.    One of nine children, John was pre-deceased by four brothers, Robert, Philip, Cornelius and Thomas McNamara and three sisters, Eleanor Kuzmickas, Mary McNamara and Agnes Tivnan.  His beloved wife of 60 years, Margaret (Stines) McNamara passed away in 2008, a loss which he grieved until his own passing.

John also leaves Joseph Stines, a wonderful brother-in-law and friend, Charlie Croteau his “adopted son” and many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.

The family would like to thank Dr. Deborah Hazen and her staff for all the wonderful care and love they provided over the last 16 years to both John and Margaret; and the dedicated and loving staff at Rose Monahan for the fabulous care they bestowed on John over the last week. 

Friends and relatives are invited to attend calling hours, Sunday, December 9th from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOMME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St.  His funeral will be held Monday, December 10th from the funeral home with a procession to Our Lady of Lourdes church, 1290 Grafton St where his celebration of Christian burial mass will be held at 10:00 am.  Burial with U.S. Marine Corp honors will follow in St Philip Cemetery, Grafton.  In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances in his name can be made to St Denis Church, 27 Manchaug St Douglas 01516.