SHREWSBURY-John Paul Anich, 88, passed away at Southgate in Shrewsbury, MA on Flag Day, June 14, 2010. Born March 16, 1922 in Niagara Falls, NY, he was the son of the late George and Mary (Lucich) Anich. He was educated in Niagara Falls schools, graduating from Trott Vocational HS. He was a Roman Catholic member of Prince of Peace Parish in Niagara Falls. As a young man John played in the Niagara Falls Guitar and Banjo Band.
He left Niagara Falls for the Civilian Conservation Corps, where he worked in Oregon fighting fires and planting trees. John enlisted in the Army and was a WW II veteran. He served in France, Germany and Italy, as well as North Africa. He received the Purple Heart for his heroism. Following his discharge, John began his career as a pressman at Moore Business Forms in Niagara Falls, working there for 45 years. He retired from the company’s Research and Development department.
On August 13, 1949 he married Josephine Frances DePierro. They were married 60 years until Josephine’s death on January 3, 2010. The couple had moved to Southgate in Shrewsbury, MA in April 2008. He was a devoted husband and caring father and grandfather. Hobbies that gave him much joy included softball, coaching Little League, bowling, basketball, gardening, golf and furniture making. He loved big band music and The Red Sox.
Survivors include: a daughter, Madeleine Ahlquist and (Robb) of Shrewsbury; 2 sons, George Anich and (Lisa) of Concord, CA; and Michael Anich and (Brenda) of Gloversville, NY; five grandchildren, Caitlyn Carolan and (Keith) of Shrewsbury, MA; Margot Ahlquist of New York City; and Shaun and Alicia Anich of Gloversville, NY; and Sonia Anich of Concord, CA. John was predeceased by a sister, Mary Zazcek, of Niagara Falls.
A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, June 17 at CALLAHAN & FAY BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 61 Myrtle Street, Worcester. Burial will be held at a future date at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Lewiston, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. For directions and online condolence book please visit www.callahanfay.com