WORCESTER__John A. King, 80, of Worcester passed away peacefully on Friday evening, October 3 in his home surrounded by his family. He was the son of Leo and Florence (Jacques) King of Worcester. He leaves his wife of fifty-seven years, Marion (Donahue), and their fifteen children and families; John and his wife Margaret, David and his wife Diane, Timothy and his wife Susan, Paul and his wife Barbara, Sandra, Donna and her husband Philip Arnold, Leo and his wife Lori, Nancy, Daniel and his wife Deborah, Patricia and her husband Joseph Cuhna, Mark and his wife Monique, James and his wife Denise, Scott and fiancée Kelley, Matthew and his wife Deanna, and Michael. Mr. King also leaves forty-one grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by sisters, Madeline, Francis and Jacqueline and a brother, Gordon.
Mr. King was a self-employed truck driver for many years around the Worcester area. He was also a veteran of the United States Air Force serving during World War II and the Korean War. John was a past president of the Tris Speaker Little League, and also a founder and director of the Great Brook Valley Boys and Girls Basketball League. Mr. King was presented the key to the City of Worcester by then Mayor George Wells for his contributions to the communities of Worcester.
The king family would like to thank the veterans of the Tuttle Post in Auburn and the Visiting Nurse Association of Worcester for all of their help and support.
The funeral service will be held Wednesday, October 5 at 10:30 a.m. in DIRSA–MORIN FUNERAL HOME, 298 Grafton St. Burial will be in Notre Dame Cemetery. Calling hours in the funeral home will be Tuesday, October 7 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Legion, Chester P. Tuttle Post 279, 88 Bancroft St., Auburn, MA 01501 or to the VNA Care Network of Worcester, 120 Thomas St., Worcester, MA 01608.