John Christopher, a 43 year resident of Melrose, passed into eternal life on Wednesday, October 10, 2012 at his home in Melrose after a lengthy illness with cancer. He was 71 years old.
John was born in Boston on September 5, 1941, a son of the late John A. and Helen (Maiocco) Christopher. He grew up in Somerville where he attended Somerville Public Schools and graduated from Somerville High School in 1959. He furthered his education and attended Wentworth Institute in Boston for 2 years. John worked as a self employed electrician for many years before he began working for Sullivan & McLaughlin Company of Dorchester as an electrician for 15 years. He retired in 2004. John was a 50 year member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, I.B.E.W. Local # 103. John enjoyed traveling to Florida, he enjoyed football and most of all he took exceptional pride in his grandchildren's activities.
John is the beloved husband of 46 years to Nancy J. (McCoy) Christopher. He is the devoted father of Karen A. Symond and her husband Jason of Melrose, John A. Christopher and his wife Alisa of Bellingham, Susan M. Bardaro of Melrose, Traci M. Barbagallo and her husband Salvatore of Georgetown and Peter M. Christopher and his wife Renata of Lynn. He is the loving Papa to Chanel, Courtney, Lilah, Christopher, Calli, Braedon, Nicholas and Valentina. He is the beloved brother of Marie Hennessey and her husband Thomas of Chicago, Il. and Charles Christopher and his wife Rose of Winchester. He is also survived by many sisters and brothers-in-law and nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend John's Funeral on Monday, October 15, 2012 at 9 a.m. from the Carr Funeral Home, 1159 Main St. Melrose followed by his Funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church, (corner of Myrtle & Herbert Streets) Melrose at 10 a.m. Interment at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody. Visiting hours Sunday, October 14, 2012 from 2 to 6 p.m. in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation in John's name to The Jimmy Fund, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th Floor, Brookline, Mass. 02445.