John M. Newell's Obituary
John Newell passed away on Saturday, April 8, 2023, surrounded by his loving family after a 3-year battle with Thymic Carcinoma. Born on October 26, 1956, he was the devoted son of the late John W. and Patricia (Small) Newell. John graduated from Lawrence High School and worked as a carpenter for local contractors, Phillips Academy, and the Lawrence Housing Authority. He also worked as an umpire for 13 years for the Merrimack Valley Umpire Association. At age 40, John went back to college and earned a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from the University of Southern New Hampshire. He landed a job at the City of Waltham’s IT department, where he worked for 18 years. While there he served as the President of the Laborers’ International Union for 5 years. After his retirement, he volunteered at Parker River in Plum Island where he put his carpentry skills to good use.
In his 50’s, John started running. He participated in several local races, ran a half marathon at Epcot Center and with Gilly’s Athletic Club he ran the Grand Canyon from rim to rim at age 55. John's greatest enjoyment was golf. He was in the league at Trull Brook in Tewksbury every Tuesday. He golfed every Sunday morning. His foursome was the first group out at Hickory Hill in Dracut. Every new travel destination, John would try to get in a round of golf. John and his wife, Patty enjoyed many vacations to Hawaii, Bermuda, Florida, and several cruises to the Caribbean Islands.
John’s greatest role was “Papa John” to his beloved Olivia. He will be remembered for his optimism, enduring strength and kindness.
John will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 39 years, Patty (Fielding) Newell, his son, Jonathan of North Andover, his granddaughter, Olivia, and her mother, Jeana Nichols of Pelham, N.H., his sister, Beverly and her husband, Davor of Northampton, his brother, David and his wife, Patti of Hyde Park. He also leaves his brothers-in-law, Bruce Fielding of Lawrence, Brian Fielding of Lawrence and Alan Fielding and his wife, Maggie of North Carolina, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends.
Family and friends will honor and celebrate John’s life by gathering for his calling hours on Friday, April 14, 2023 from 4 – 6 PM at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence Street, Methuen. His funeral service will be held at 6 PM on Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made directly to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215. For directions or to send an online condolence, please visit www.pollardfuneralhome.com. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to serve the Newell family.
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