John F. Canavan, Jr.

John  F.  Canavan, Jr. – 92, of North Reading, died at his home, surrounded by his family on Thursday, December 28, 2017. He was the beloved husband of the late Mildred F. (Mara) Canavan.

Born in Wakefield, MA on June 25, 1925, he was the son of the late John F., Sr. and Ellie (Matson) Canavan. John was raised in Wakefield, and a graduate of Newman Prep and Northeastern University.  John was a U.S. Marine Corps World War II Veteran, serving from 1943 to 1946, he was a Sergeant and participated in the Occupation of China. He worked as a Civil Engineer for the Commonwealth of MA in Springfield, Camp Dresser & McKee Engineering Firm, J.J. Cronin for forty years and also for Heffron Materials and the Town of Andover.
He has been a resident of North Reading for the past 61 years and a member of St. Theresa’s Church, Civil Engineers, The Grandfathers Club, North Reading Loyal Order of Moose, Knights of Columbus and various Town Committees.

John had great love and commitment to his family.  He tirelessly provided both financial and spiritual support to so many throughout his entire extensive family of 9 children, 24 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.  John enjoyed his time watching his children and grandchildren in all areas of interest from school clubs and sports to horse shows.  John was also an avid Red Sox fan and was sure to be seen in town on his daily power walk.

Family members include his loving sons, John F.,III, and wife Stephanie,  William and wife Monica, James and wife Beth and the late Michael Canavan; daughters, Carol Green and late husband Robert Page, Nancy Brooks and husband George, Judy Hall and husband Mark, Kathy Sumner and late husband Bill and Patricia Fiore; brothers, Robert and wife Patricia, Michael and wife Susan and the late Thomas and late wife Jacki, late sisters and their late husbands, Kathryn Mayo and Frank, Ellie Tecce and Joseph and Ethel Arsenault. Also survived by 24 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

His funeral will be held from the Croswell Funeral Home,19 Bow St., North Reading, on Thursday, January 4, at 9:15 AM, followed by a 10:30 AM Funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter St. (Rt. 62), North Reading. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, January 3 from 4 to 8 PM. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to: Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011. http://www.croswelfuneralhome.com

12 thoughts on “John F. Canavan, Jr.

  1. My deepest condolences to the Canavan family what great memories I have of both Millie and John God Bless you all, sorry I can not attend services as we are away on vacation.

  2. Sending my condolences to a wonderful family. My brother Mark was a friend of Billy’s and would have wanted to send his love and prayers. says:

    Lori Birkmaier ORourke

  3. I enjoyed being a part of the family for many years. I have a lot of great memories some of them quite funny. There are a lot of good memories of tearing up the dance floor with him as he was full of energy and life! John was a wonderful man, loved him like a father during the years I spent as family. He will be greatly missed by many.

  4. My folks were good friends of John and Millie and would want me to express our condolences. I remember visiting the Canavan home as a young person and always enjoyed our visits. – The Rufo family (Wakefield, MA)

  5. Please except my deepest sympathy for the loss of your Dad..May you find comfort in warm memories and the wonderful hope of a resurrection in the Bible. (John 5:28 & 29)

  6. My sincere condolences to the Canavan family. I worked with John as secretary to Bob McQuade for the Town of Andover. He was so proud of his family. Enjoyed listening to his stories of growing up in Wakefield, trips to Long Island to visit his son and life experiences. RIP John. Fran Johnson

  7. Kathy, I’m sorry to hear of the loss of your dad John.
    Now its time for him to spend the years catching up with Micheal, n Millie and your Bill.

    Love
    Dawn Dorsey Hayward

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