NEW BEDFORD — John Beetle Baumann, 93, passed away in this city after a short illness on February 27th, 2013. He was the husband of the late Lucille Breault Baumann.
He was born in South Boston on March 20, 1919, to the late Helen Amelia (Beetle) Baumann, and John Michael Baumann.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Walter (NMI) Baumann, sisters, Helen Margret Baumann and Anna R. (Baumann) Harrison.
A lifelong carpenter, his early work experience included working for his grandfather Charles Beetle in the family boatyard in New Bedford, and also with Ben Dobson, the noted naval architect.
During World War II, he volunteered to join the newly formed 28th Naval Construction Battalion (SEABEES) in Rhode Island and participated in operations at Sicily, Corsica, Sardinia, and later the South of France earning several recognitions and commendations for individual and unit actions. He returned to this area where he worked in the Carpenters Union until retirement having worked at and supervised numerous construction projects including the New Bedford Airport, Tifereth Israel Jewish Synagogue, and Bishop Stang High School.
He is survived by son, Michael John Baumann of Colleyville Texas, his wife Lori, and children, Rhiannon Amber, Jennifer Marie, Melani Veronica, and John Phillip, and Charles Maurice Baumann, Lt. Colonel USAF (Ret) of Schertz, Texas, his wife Donna, and their children, Scott Charles and Amy Kristine. He is also survived by four great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the New Bedford Whaling Museum, 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA 02740.
Visitation will take place on Sunday from 4-6 p.m. in the Wilson Chapel, 479 County St., New Bedford. His service will be at the funeral home on Monday at 10 a.m. followed by burial in Rural Cemetery.