John D. Beaton, age 84, of Lynn died Monday at home after a brief illness. He was the devoted husband of the late Delores E. (Dow) Beaton.
Born in Lynn, son of the late Alexander and Margaret (McMullin) Beaton, he was a lifelong resident of the city. He attended St. Mary's High School, graduated with a business degree from Newbury College. He was employed for over 40 years for the Norman Buffett Exhibits, later known as Giltspur, retiring as a Shipping Receiving Supervisor, and was previously at the Lynn Water Department. He was a WWII veteran of the U.S. Navy serving with the Seabees.
He was a daily communicant of St. Mary's Church. He was involved with the West Lynn National Little League for over 20 years, serving in many capacities as Past President, Record Keeper, Manager and Coach. He was a Crossing Guard at Myrtle and Holyoke streets for many years and was loved by the parents and students there. He worked as an Election Poll Worker for several years and was a lifelong Boston Braves and Red Sox fan.
He leaves one daughter, Debra B. Maughan and her husband Dale of Highland, Utah; two sons, John D. "Jack" Beaton and his wife Miki of New Market, NH, and Dennis Grant and his wife Denise of Lynn; one sister Helen "Nellie" Zorzy of Lynn and two daughters-in-law, Diane (Cook) Nordyke and Linda (Janian) Nordyke, also nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was the father of the late David E. Nordyke and brother of the late Alec, Angus, Neil, Roderick, Peter, Daniel and George Beaton, Anna Grant, Mary Booras, Christine Kaczinski, Margaret "Peggy" Moriarty and Lorraine Shinnick.
Service Information: Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral on Saturday at 8 a.m. in the NADWORNY FUNERAL HOME, 798 Western Ave., Lynn. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary's church at 9 a.m. Interment in World War II lot in Pine Grove Cemetery. Visiting hours Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. Directions and guest book www.nadwornyfuneralhome.com. Those who wish may make donations to St. Mary's Tree of Life Food Pantry 8 South Common St., Lynn MA 01902.