NEW BEDFORD - John Caron Grenon passed away peacefully on December 8, 2015 at St. Luke's Hospital after a three year journey with lung cancer. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Doranne (Dunlop) Grenon.
He was born in Boston, MA on December 4, 1945 to the late Mary Evelyn Donahue and Arthur Hector Grenon. John graduated from Norwood High School in 1964 and enlisted in the United States Army. John was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged and received the National Defense Service Medal, 2 o/s bars, and the Sharpshooter Badge, among other awards. After discharge he enrolled at the University of Massachusetts Boston to study African-American history.
John lived in New Bedford with his family for 34 years, where he worked in the seafood and hospitality industries. After retiring from full time employment, he enjoyed a new career as a personal driver for an oncologist for six and a half years. During that time he found his calling as a volunteer at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. In 2013 Dana-Farber honored his service by awarding him the Volunteer of the Year award. He treasured the conversations and friendships that he nurtured there.
John was the king of the one liners and will be remembered for his sense of humor. He was a man of strong faith and convictions who was a friend and mentor to many. John had the ability to put others at ease with his kind words and vast knowledge of varied subjects. He loved classic movies, scotch, New England sports teams, and cheering on his grandson from the sidelines.
Survivors include his three daughters, Jessica and partner Nicholas Dragone; Caitlin; and Abigail and fiance Michael Hayhurst; his grandson, Reed Grenon; siblings David Grenon and wife Rosalie; Denise Mutascio and husband George; Carole Costello and husband Thomas; aunt Alice Priesing; sister-in-law Linda Valentine Grenon; sister-in-law Jane Sawyer and husband George; brother-in-law John Dunlop and wife Pam; brother-in-law Roderick Dunlop and wife Jane; sister-in-law Deborah Wilder Dunlop; and many beloved nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. Brother of the late Mary Jane Grenon and Peter Grenon.
Calling hours will be held at the Wilson Chapel on Wednesday, December 16 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. followed by a private family burial. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Center Thoracic Oncology Treatment Center at 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215