WORCESTER__John-Michael Reeks, 36, of Worcester passed away Friday, July 23, 2021, from medical complications.
JM, as he was known to his friends, was larger than life in both personality and stature – standing 6’5”. He never met anyone who remained a stranger for long and treated everyone with kindness and acceptance, no matter your background. He had twinkling blue eyes, a smile that could light up a room and an infectious laugh and sense of humor.
His passing will be mourned and he will be forever missed by his father, E. John Reeks and his father’s husband Dr. Scott H. Gonzalez of Worcester; his brother James and his fiancé Jennifer and his sister Tiffany and her partner Kevin. He also leaves behind nieces and nephews including Jenna and James Jr., who were the loves of his life, his Godmother Marie Samia of Leicester and his many cousins including Gail and Alexis, to whom he was very close. JM will also be missed by his stepsisters Miranda & Diana Gonzalez. He also leaves many aunts and uncles including Steven T. Reeks, Michelle F. Sargent (Glenn), Michael F. Ciuffredo, Jr (Doreen), and Paulajean F. Knight (Ken).
He was predeceased by his mother Mary Ann J. (Plona) Reeks who’s passing last September had a deep effect on him; his grandparents Michael and Rojean (Samia) Cuiffredo, Frank and Florence (Karpowich) Plona, and his Godfather Edward E. Samia.
John-Michael worked in the automotive repair industry and was most recently a Manager for Monroe Tire in Framingham. Those who knew him always joked that he was so good at what he did because he could sell ice to an Eskimo and make him believe that it was something he truly needed.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of the 6th floor ICU at UMass University Campus for their tireless efforts in helping John-Michael thru his difficult illness and his transition into peace.
After cremation, a graveside service will be held on Friday, July 30, 2021 at 11:00 am at St. John’s Cemetery, 260 Cambridge Street, Worcester, MA., where John-Michael will be laid to rest with his mother and grandparents. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Worcester Animal Rescue League, 139 Holden Street, Worcester, MA 01606.
DIRSA-MORIN FUNERAL HOME, 298 Grafton St., Worcester, is assisting the family with arrangements.