John M. Whittemore

John was born in Fitchburg, October 25, 1948, a son of the late Francis W. and Jacqueline (Daley) Whittemore and resided much of his life in Townsend. He was a 1967 graduate of North Middlesex Regional High School in Townsend and remained active in the class reunion committees. During the Vietnam Era he served his country In the United States Coast Guard. He was a Life Member and past Commander of the Townsend VFW Post # 6538 as well as a member of the Fitchburg Chapter of the Disabled American Veterans. He leaves his wife of 45 years, Carlene R. (Amadon) Whittemore; three sons, J. Michael Whittemore II of Ashby, Mark Whittemore of Fitchburg, Benjamin Whittemore and his wife, Lauren, of Leominster; two daughters, Sharon T. Whittemore-Plante and her partner, Brian Robinson of Townsend, Rebecca Whittemore –Beaudoin and her partner, Ryan Valcourt of Townsend; five grandchildren, Anthony Beaudoin, Jacob Plante, Joshua Beaudoin, Jacqueline Plante and Brenda Rose Beaudoin. In 1965 he was predeceased by his brother, Peter E. Whittemore, of Townsend. John’s career primarily focused on driving 18 wheel tractor trailers for several companies including Bates Corrugated Box Company in Townsend. He was a member of the Teamsters Union Local # 170, Worcester. In 1990, with his wife Carlene, he founded Arrow Septic Inc. which his son, Michael, continues to operate today. For several years he owned and operated the “Beverage Barn” soft drink distribution business and many years ago served as a member of the Townsend Police Department. John was a member of St. John’s Church in Townsend. He was a member and past president of Harley Owners Group in Nashua, NH. Currently, John was actively restoring a 1959 Morris Minor British Automobile and was a member of the British Car Club of New Hampshire. John remained committed to many community efforts including serving on the Townsend Cemetery & Park Commission, Playground Committee, Personnel Board, Board of Assessors and was instrumental in the formation of the Townsend EMT program and had been active in the Townsend Explorer Scout Program. He was currently serving as a Town Constable. In 2007 John served as the Master of Ceremonies to Townsend's 275th Anniversary Celebration. Prior to his passing on Thursday, John had made arrangements to successfully donate a vital organ to a recipient in urgent need.

Tributes

John M. Whittemore

September 30, 2017