John W. Lawry
October 28, 1924 — July 18, 2020
John W. Lawry
Born in Dedham on October 28, 1924, John was one of two children of the late Clinton and Meta (Eisenhower) Lawry. He grew up in Melrose, attending Melrose High School before transferring to Hebron Academy, and then to Gould Academy, graduating in 1943.
After high school, John was inducted into the United States Army Air Corps. He served as a radioman for the 39th Troop Carrier Squadron in the Pacific Theatre of WWII. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant in 1946. Upon his return to the United States, John attended and graduated from Tufts University with a Bachelor's Degree in Business. He went on to marry Dorothy in 1951 whom he had met in 7th grade dance class. John and Dotty settled in Melrose to raise their young family.John was a deeply devoted husband, caring father, and later a doting grandfather He worked as a zone manager for Ford Motor Company for many years and enjoyed his work. He had a strong faith and was a member of Park Street Church in Boston, where he volunteered in numerous capacities over the years.
John and his wife were avid travelers frequenting locations in New England, New York City, and the world including all 7 continents. He loved bicycle trips, river cruises, as well as cruising the Atlantic on the QEII and container ships.
Friendships were important to John. He had coffee every Friday morning with the same group of friends at Brothers Deli in Wakefield and the same group played golf and tennis together. He enjoyed Bridge and played at Senior Centers in Melrose, Stoneham, Reading and Wakefield. Around the house, one might find John out gardening, reading historical novels or Barrons, watching the news, Jeopardy or baseball.
John's kindness, generosity, warmth, optimism, and love will be missed by all who knew him. He was the epitome of a gentleman from the greatest generation and his family and friends will fondly remember seeing him driving around Melrose in his red Ford Mustang convertible.
John was the beloved husband of the late Dorothy F. (Dole) Lawry with whom he shared 57 years of marriage. Devoted father of Jane Lawry and her significant other, Gary P. Snoonian of Melrose, and the late Dotty Whittier and her surviving husband Gage. Dear brother of the late Clinton Lawry. Loving grandfather of Laurel Whittier Holland and her husband Jon of Kennewick, WA, Paige Whittier Beckman and her husband Eric Jr., of Rockport, ME, and great grandfather of Charlotte and Samuel Beckman, and Addison and Audrey Holland.
Services for John will be private at this time.
Gifts in John's memory may be made to Park Street Church, 1 Park St., Boston, MA. 02108.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John W. Lawry, please visit our flower store.
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