John M. DeMichaelis, of Woburn formerly of Reading and Medford passed away peacefully with his loving family at his side, December 17, 2017, following a lengthy Illness. He was 84 years of age.
"Johnny" as he was affectionately known to his family and friends, was born in Medford Massachusetts in 1933, the son of Italian immigrants Giovanni and Martha (Silverii) DeMichaelis. In 1938, his father and his father's sister Anna founded State Garden Celery Co. in the basement of 110 Commercial Street in Boston`s North End. Upon graduating Medford High School in 1951, Johnny entered the family produce business ultimately becoming its` president – a title he held for over 40 years. Johnny cherished the friendships he made throughout his career in the produce industry.
In 1962, Johnny married the love of his life Marion Illingworth. It was a love story that remained for over 55 years. Together they raised their three sons, John, Mark and Kevin. Johnny and Marion`s greatest joys were spending time with their eight grandchildren in New Hampshire and Florida.
Upon graduating from college, John and Marion`s three boys followed in their father`s footsteps and entered the family business. With John as their guide, the produce business expanded to include a line of organic salads called Olivia`s Organics. Realizing their good fortune, John and his boys created the Olivia`s Organics charitable foundation as their vehicle to give back to the communities which were so good to them. Since its` inception, the Foundation has supported dozens of children`s charities throughout the Northeast.
Throughout Johnny's extended battle with Alzheimer`s disease. His calm, gentle and funny demeanor and his love for chocolate ice cream never wavered. His family thanks the many wonderful folks who cared for him throughout this difficult time.
Johnny is survived by his beloved wife, Marion (Illingworth) DeMichaelis. Devoted sons, John S. DeMichaelis and his wife Susan of Reading, Mark J. DeMichaelis of Winchester and Kevin D. DeMichaelis and his wife Pamela of Andover. His adored grandchildren, John J., Justin, Jeffrey, Mark, Olivia, John C., Kevin and Ryan DeMichaelis.
Johnny is sadly predeceased by his sister, Anna Geraci, and brothers, Jeremiah and Dante DeMichaelis.
Funeral Services will be held from the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Family Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St., WOBURN, Friday, December 22nd, at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Barbara Church, 138 Cambridge Rd., Woburn, at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours at the Funeral Home will be held on Thursday from 4 thru 8 p.m. Services will conclude with entombment at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. Late U.S. Army Veteran of the Korean War. It has been requested that in lieu of flowers Contributions may be made in Johnny's memory to the Alzheimer's Assoc., 309 Waverly Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452.