John F. McNamee
Devoted husband, father and grandfather
TEWKSBURY: John F. McNamee, age 76, a resident of Tewksbury for 46 years, passed away at the Blaire House of Tewksbury on Saturday, May 4, 2024 surrounded by his loving family following a courageous battle with cancer.
He was the beloved husband of Marie E. (McGrath) McNamee, with whom he shared 50 years of marriage.
Born to Irish immigrants in Boston on September 20, 1947, he was the youngest child of the late Henry J. McNamee and the late Ellen (McCarthy) McNamee.
John was raised in Charlestown and graduated from Charlestown High School. From an early age, he was an avid Boston sports fan, rarely missing televised games and always discussing team performance with family.
In 1967, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Vietnam War. He was awarded several decorations for his active-duty service, including the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, the Good Conduct Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, and the Republic of Vietnam Civic Action Medal.
Following his honorable discharge from the military, he had a 42-year career as a meat cutter in the U.S. food retail industry.
In retirement, John embraced the role of “Papa”, spending many hours playing with his grandchildren and cheering them on from the sidelines at sporting events. He also enjoyed doing yard work and socializing with his neighbors.
In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by two children, James M. McNamee and his wife Laura, of Westford, and Maureen E. Russell and her husband James, of Wilmington: five grandchildren, Gavin, Karenna and Jake Russell, and Bryce and Wyatt McNamee: two sisters, Margaret “Peggy” Loftin, of Tewksbury, and Eileen Nye, of Everett. He leaves many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
John was the brother of the late Mary Griffis and Henry “Buzz” McNamee.
Calling hours are Monday, May 13, from 9-11 a.m. at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee Street, Tewksbury, followed by his funeral procession to St. William’s Church, 1351 Main Street, Route 38, Tewksbury, where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Services will conclude with interment at St. Mary Cemetery, 90 River Road, Tewksbury. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Clear Path for Veterans New England, 84 Antietam Street, Devens, MA 01434 or online at www.clearpathne.org