John Francis Dee Jr.

John Francis Dee Jr., age 90, a lifelong resident of Pepperell, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2021 at home surrounded by his family. Born on August 12, 1930, he was the son of the late John F. Dee Sr. and late Teckla (Will) Dee.

He grew up on Leighton Street, attended Pepperell schools and was a graduate of Pepperell High School Class of 1948. After high school he dated and married the love of his life, Florence (Jastrab) Dee in 1951, with whom he would have celebrated 70 years of marriage on April 4th.

John was employed by Mass Electric as a Lineman and Meterman, retiring in 1992 after 40 years. He was also a licensed electrician, owning “Dee Electric”, working nights and weekends to support his growing family.

John raised cows, pigs, chickens and had a large fruit and vegetable garden that produced enough corn to share with the neighborhood. He was happy tending the lawn and garden on his John Deere tractor. He wasn’t afraid to tackle any home improvement project. John was an avid golf fan and player, having a “Hole in One” at the Green Meadow Country Club on August 28, 1998. He enjoyed watching Lawrence Welk on Saturday nights, candlepin bowling, golf and the Price is Right with his wife. John and Florence enjoyed 26 winters in their Bonita Springs, Florida home relaxing, walks/lunch on the beach, reading, tennis, friends, and nightly cocktails before dinner.

John attended Sunday Mass and was an active member of St. Joseph Parish as an usher for 30+ years and the Cemetery Commission.

John was a man of few choice words, but a man of many good deeds.

Together, John and Florence walked “hand in hand” through life. In addition to his wife Florence, he is survived by seven children: John F. Dee III (Lisa) of Pepperell, Rosemary (Bill) Graves of Pepperell, Susan (Manning) Mersereau of Gorham, ME, James M. Dee (Jenny) of Pepperell, Marcia (Bob) Estes of Pepperell, Joseph C. Dee (Patty) of Lunenburg, and Thomas P. Dee (Linda) of Pepperell. John is survived by 14 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass will be held at Our Lady of Grace Parish worshipping at St. Joseph’s Church, 28 Tarbell St., Pepperell on Wednesday, February 10 at 10 AM. Social distancing and facial coverings will apply. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to:

PACH Outreach
PO Box 1247
Pepperell, MA 01463
www.pachoutreach.org