Mr. John J. Lewis, a longtime resident of Andover and beloved husband of the late Mary (Gekas) Lewis, passed away at his home on Tuesday, December 9, 2014. He was 90 years old.
Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, on May 29, 1924, he was the beloved son of the late Lilly and Madeline (Riopelle) Lewis. He attended the Lowell Public School system. John was a WWII Navy veteran, entering the military at Boston on December 30, 1942 and receiving his honorable discharge from Boston on February 4, 1946. While serving in the Navy, John was a Gunner's 1st Mate. He had served in the Asiatic Pacific and was engaged in a number of invasions, most notably at Iwo Jima. He was awarded the American Theatre Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon with 3 Stars, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, European-African Theatre Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal and the Commendation Ribbon for his exemplary service. John was very talented florist and he and Mary owned and operated Lewis Florist in Lowell for many years. Mr. Lewis was employed as the Andover Veterans Agent from 1970 to 1997. He was an avid fisherman and member of the Andover Fly Fishers in Andover. Mr. Lewis was the founder of the Andover Christmas Tree Lot, witch over the last 12 years has raised $200,000. to benefit the youth of Andover. He also was instrumental in recognizing individual veterans for their service and sacrifice and made Andover the first-in-the-nation to fly deceased veterans flags around town. John was a longtime member of the Andover Patriotic Committee. He will be dearly missed.
John is survived by many nieces and nephews and his dear friends; Billy Fahey of North Andover and Mike Burke of Andover. He was pre-deceased by his brothers; Edward, William, Henry, Charles and Gerald Lewis as well as sisters; Joan Ann Wilson and Carol Lambert.
His Funeral Service will be celebrated in the Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 390 North Main Street, Andover on Friday, December 12, 2014, at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are most welcome to attend. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, December 11, 2014, from 4 to 8 PM. Interment will be in Spring Grove Cemetery in Andover. Donations in John's memory may be made to the Andover Veterans Gift Fund, C/O Andover Veterans Services, Town Offices, 36 Bartlett Street, Andover, MA 01810. For additional information, please visit, www.burkemagliozzi.com.