Cape Ann lost one of its finest kind when retired fisherman John M. Aiello, 54, unexpectedly passed away following an extended illness on Saturday, October 19, 2013. He was the devoted husband of 30 years to Mary Jane (Kilman), and loving father to children John and Jenna. John lived his entire life in Gloucester until moving with his family to Manchester-by-the-Sea a few months ago.
Born in Gloucester on May 27, 1959, he was the son of the late Thomas and Emily (Pike) Aiello. Having grown up in the Fort section of town, John had a lifelong love for St. Peter’s Fiesta. He spent many of his younger years walking the Greasy Pole or rowing in the seine boat races. He also sculled for several crews as well. Most recently, you could see John walking with the oar carriers in Sunday’s religious procession, something he had done himself as a young boy back in the early 1970’s. John made many friends from those days, friendships that lasted throughout his lifetime. Just being able to hang with his gang at cookouts, the beach, or wherever gave him much pleasure.
Among the many jobs John held were a postal carrier in Topsfield, bridge tender at the Blynman Bridge, and lobsterman aboard the Jack Mac out of Manchester harbor. However, he was most proud to be known as a Gloucester fisherman, continuing a long, established tradition on both sides of his family. John fished for over 25 years on many boats, including the Linda B., Janice M., and Hunter, but his happiest days at sea were spent fishing under Captain Russell Sherman, whom he greatly respected, on his boats the Captain Dutch and later the Lady Jane. John’s last job was aboard the Lady Jane, fishing until his illness forced him to retire.
His family would like to thank Russell and especially his wife, Christine, for being there for John throughout his illness. Their kindness to John will forever be appreciated.
In his later days, John could be seen on his boat, the Sweet Jane, with friends or family lazily motoring down the Annisquam, tied up at Ten Pound Island for a picnic, or anchored at Pavilion Beach for some sun time. He loved everything about Gloucester, especially the ocean. John was a wonderful, funny, and caring man who will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his wife and children, John is survived by his brothers, Tom, husband of Debbie Aiello, Steve, husband of Ann Aiello, Marco, husband of Jill Aiello; mother-in-law, Blanche Kilman, brothers-in-law, Lenny, husband of Mary Ann Kilman and Scott Kilman, whom he shared a special bond with; sisters-in-law, Coralee Kilman, Tracey, wife of Dave Nelson, April Kilman, companion of Sebastian Lovasco, many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and his canine companion, Mocha. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Peter P. Aiello, who passed away in March.
John’s family invites you to share in an open house “Celebration of his Life” on Sunday, October 27th at the Gloucester Fraternity Club on Webster Street from 6 – 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to his family, c/o Thomas Aiello, 17 Witham Street, Gloucester, MA 01930.