It is with great sadness that John A. Marshall "Diddy", 70, of NH (formerly of Revere, MA) passed away Friday, November 12, 2021. He was born February 8, 1951 in Boston, MA and was the son of the late Alexander and Mary (Pava). He was raised in East Boston. One of his first jobs was to install and remove flags for every holiday and paint the flag poles. With years of dedication in perfecting his craft, John was known as a skilled painter and all-around home remodel expert. On any given day, all that loved him knew they could find him up on a ladder painting, fixing or repairing everything and anything. His work ethic and dedication to supporting and helping his family was unmatched. In later years, his love for dogs turned into a passion for finding the perfect family for dogs. Many that have met John over the years remember and love him for the time he would spend with them and their children, getting to know him and helping them find the perfect furry addition to their family. Some children called him Puppy John. No matter how busy life got he always made time for his large family even if it was for a quick visit. A man with a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife and best friend of 49 years, Nora (McLaughlin) Marshall. The love story of John and Nora began with them as teenagers, meeting at a dance in East Boston. He was wearing a full length yellow leather coat, one of his favorite colors and most said he was the coolest man in town. They started dating and were engaged 6 months later. Their unconditional love for each other extends to their children, Adam, Selena and Mark and 8 grandchildren. Holidays would be hosted at their homes for family and friends to join them to celebrate their love for one another and their family. These holiday celebrations would be filled with love and laughter, as John could always make you laugh and enjoy these special times spent together. The place John loved the most was the mountains in New Hampshire. One of the greatest times for John and Nora in their home was to race to watch the sunset. Their most treasured time of day was to watch the sunset and see how beautiful God's country was.
He was a devoted father of Selena Marshall and her fiancé Joseph Woods, Adam Marshall and his wife Janis (Larsen) and Mark Marshall and his wife Samantha (Hulslander). Also a beloved Papa of Jordan (Duval) Lefebvre and her husband Bryan, Daniel and Emily Marshall, Thomas and Michael Langis, Hazel and Lincoln Marshall and predeceased by his grandson, Kyle Langis in February 2021. As a devoted father and Papa, John would do anything in his power to work hard and help his children and grandchildren with anything they needed, and if you were down, he would be there to make you laugh.
John was the youngest sibling of 16 and earned the nickname "Diddy" which means little. The loving brother of Richard Marshall and his wife Anna, Ruth Kennedy, and William F. Marshall and his wife Cassia and predeceased by Mary Marshall, Alice Marshall, Alexander "Shonny" Marshall, Irene (Tallman), Clotilda (Keagan) "Choo choo", James Marshall, Rose Hughes, George Marshall, Robert Marshall, Mary II Marshall, Edith Marshall, and Dorothy (Yonuss).
Amazing son in law of Ann (Melanson) McLaughlin and the late Thomas McLaughlin. He is also lovingly survived by many family members and friends.
Following cremation, calling hours will be held on Saturday November 27th from 12pm – 4pm in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 290 Mammoth Rd., Londonderry, NH. A time to share memories of John will be held on Saturday at 3:30pm. Masks will be required for all those in attendance. A Celebration of John's life for family and friends will be held at a later date.