It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, John from his long battle with Stage 4 brain cancer. John Abreu, age 80, passed away on May 15, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Travanca, Portugal on November 22, 1943, a son of the late Amadeu & Hortencia Abreu. John graduated from Chicopee High. After high school, John enlisted in the Marines & fought in the Vietnam War. John was a proud veteran of the Marines. He valued this service highly and attained the rank of Sergeant where he earned the following medals: Marksman badge, Rifle, Expert badge, pistol, National defense service medal, Armed forces Expeditionary medal. After the war, John worked as a consultant and retired in 2016. John found solace & camaraderie at the Prince George’s Trap & Skeet gun range in Maryland, and the Carroll County Gun Club in Maryland, where he honed his shooting skills and formed lasting friendships with fellow enthusiasts. John had a profound impact on the lives of those around him. His kindness knew no bounds, & he was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. “John has been the best of friends to every one of us here. He has been a true friend, always supportive & understanding. He instinctively seemed to know when one of us was troubled in some way and was always quietly there for us, without ever being asked, never pushy or judgmental, but there if we needed someone.” His generosity & empathy reflected his genuine care for humanity. His warm smile, friendly demeanor, and willingness to help others will forever be remembered by those who have had the privilege of sharing the range with him. John was a devoted father who selflessly prioritized the well-being and happiness of his children. His unconditional love, guidance and support were consistent sources of strength for them. He taught the value of integrity, perseverance, & compassion, shaping his family into the individuals they are today. Though their hearts ache with his loss, his legacy will live on through the lessons he taught them as the love he bestowed upon them. We will forever hold him in our hearts & strive to honor his memory by following his selflessness & devotion. John is survived by his partner of over 40 yrs, Claire St Peter of Lee, MA; his son Michael Abreu & partner Ariane De Gunzburg of Bedford, NY; two daughters, Michelle Abreu -Lapite of Chicopee, MA & Kelli Abreu & her husband Matthew Slowik of Suffield, CT. He is survived by his brother Albert Abreu & his wife Jane of Las Vegas; two sisters Irene Abreu of Chicopee & Elizabeth Cherubin & her husband Ron of Feeding Hills. He will also be fondly remembered by his four beloved grandchildren, Bianca Abreu & her fiancé Andy Whalen of Palm Beach, FL, Amanda Lapite-Dowd & her husband Daniel Dowd of Chicopee, Brian Lapite of Chicopee, Cathryn Lapite of Chicopee. A proud great grandfather to Finley M Dowd. He also leaves behind his nephew John Abreu & his wife Sharon of Idaho & his niece Jamie Napolski & husband John of Alaska. As we say our goodbyes, let us remember Johns unwavering spirit, his love for his country & his profound impact on our lives. May his soul find eternal peace, & may we continue to carry his legacy in our hearts. Rest in peace dad, you will forever be our hero & our guiding light. Calling hours will be held on the morning of the funeral, Friday, May 24, 2024 from 9:00 – 11:00 AM at the Grise Funeral Home, 280 Springfield St, Chicopee. An In house prayer service will take place at 11:00 AM followed by burial with Military Honors in Calvary Cemetery, Chicopee. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital, www.Shrinerschildrens.org or to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.Stjude.org. For online condolences, please visit www.GriseFH.com.