John Kenneth Willis, 77, of Salem NH passed away Friday June 7th at the Merrimack Valley Hospice House surrounded by his loving family. John was born in New Britain CT son of the late Kenneth Henry and Mary Elizabeth (Parylovich) Willis. He was a graduate of Southington High School in Connecticut class of 1953 prior to proudly serving his country in the United States Army and later went on to work for Walbar Metals in Peabody as a manufacturing engineer for 31 years prior to retirement. John also holds two US patents for metal coating processes which he and a coworker developed. John was an avid baseball fan, enjoyed taking friends on scenic drives and discovering new places of interests and new restaurants, he loved going to the beach and watching sunrises, but most of all spending time with his family.
John is survived by his wife of 51 years Dolores C. (Laliberte) Willis of Salem NH, two sons Brian K. Willis and his wife Laurie of Chelmsford, Mark F. Willis and his partner Glenn Bashaw of Norfolk VA, a sister Joan Galgano and her partner Bob FitzGerald of Winter Park FL, a brother Harry Willis and his wife Nancy of Avon CT, several nieces and nephews and he was predeceased by his daughter Sheila A. Willis. The family would also like to extend a heart felt thank you to the staff of the Merrimack Valley Hospice House for providing extraordinary, compassionate care for John during his brief stay.
Relatives and friends may call Wednesday June 12th from 4-7 PM at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home 233 Lawrence Street Methuen MA. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Thursday June 13th at 11 AM at St Monica’s Church in Methuen with burial to follow at the Elmwood Cemetery also in Methuen . In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in John’s honor may be made to Merrimack Valley Hospice 360 Merrimack St bldg 9 Lawrence MA 01843 http://www.merrimackvalleyhospice.org/ The Pollard Funeral home is honored to be assisting the Willis family with arrangements. www.pollardfuneralhome.com