John Nicholas Lombardi Sr., 89 of Norwood and formerly of Franklin died January 28 in the Charlwell House in Norwood after a brief illness. He was the husband of Dorothy (White) Lombardi. Mr. & Mrs. Lombardi observed their 66th wedding anniversary on January 18.
Born Franklin on March 13, 1918, the son of the late Felix and Rosina (Verna) Lombardi, he was raised and educated in Franklin and lived there until moving to Norwood in 1967.
Following World war II, Mr. Lombardi along with his cousin, Anthony Masi started the Franklin Home and Auto Supply Store. Following the stores closing in 1967, he went to work in Kendall Mills in Walpole and later worked for 15 years as a custodian for the Norwood Public Schools.
He was a communicant of St. Catherine’s Church in Norwood and a member of the Edward L. Grant American Legion Post of Franklin and a past member of the Franklin VFW.
He was a member the 126th Yankee Division, AARP and the Massachusetts Retired State, County and Municipal Employee’s Organization.
Mr. Lombardi was a veteran of Word War II. He was a member of the Army attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant.
He served in Central Europe and was awarded the European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon, the American Theater Campaign Ribbon, American Defense Service Medal, Victory Medal and Good Conduct Medal.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, John N. Lombardi Jr. and his wife, Paula of Franklin, Stephen A. Lombardi and his wife, Shirley of Franklin, Rosanna M. Frickert and her husband, Greg of Randolph and Daniel J. Lombardi and his wife, Debbie of Walpole.
He is also survived by his grandchildren, Christopher J. Lombardi and his wife, Charlene, Jennifer M. Lombardi, John M. Lombardi and his wife, Kristen and Liliana Frickert. He was the grandfather of the late Scott M. Lombardi.
He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Corrinne, Ryan, Gabriella and Maggie Lombardi.
He was the brother of the late Dora Staniscia, Joseph Lombardi, Elisa Circone, Armando Lombardi, Mary DiMarzo and Elaine Lawler.
His funeral will be held on Friday, February 1 from the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin, 131 Main St., Franklin at 8:15 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church at 9:00.
Burial will be in the parish cemetery.
Calling hours will be on Thursday from 4-8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to the Massachusetts Disabled Veterans, Room 546 State House, Boston, MA 02133.