John Tracy Ayer, 70, of Bellingham, passed away at his home on Thursday, September 2, 2021 surrounded by his family after a long and courageous battle with cancer. John, born August 27, 1951 in Boston was the son of the late George Ayer and Catherine (Leach) Ayer.
John grew up in Dorchester and moved to Franklin in 1964. He was an outstanding high school athlete and graduated from Franklin High School in 1970. On June 26, 1976 he married the love of his life, Debra (Cordeiro) Ayer. The couple settled and raised their two daughters in Bellingham.
John worked for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and retired as a supervisor after 39 years. He then worked part time for Rodenhiser for five years. He was also a talented mason and constructed beautiful stone walls for members of his family.
After retiring, John loved to spend the winters in Estero, Florida with Debbie and travel with his best friends. He enjoyed working in his yard, listening to a wide array of music and watching Patriots and Bruins games. John had a sense of humor like no other. He was quick witted and loved to joke with his girls. He was a man of integrity and selflessness. John always put his loved ones before himself and was a true gentleman in every regard. He was the most devoted son, husband and father and touched so many lives. His greatest happiness came from his daughters and grandchildren. The fortitude and ever optimistic outlook John had will forever be bestowed upon his family and friends.
In addition to his wife, John is survived by his daughters, Tracie Sarette and her husband Wade of Old Saybrook, Connecticut and Meghan Daniels and her husband Richard of Douglas, his four grandchildren, Annalise, Audrey, Annette and A.J., and brother Michael Ayer of Kingston. He was pre-deceased by his sister Cathy Ayer.
A memorial mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 18 at 10am at St. Mary’s Church in Franklin. For Live stream of the funeral Mass go to :
stmarysfranklin.org
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, 383 Main Ave. 5th Floor, Norwalk, CT 06851.
Arrangements are under the care of the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com).