PEABODY - John R. McIntire, 71, of Peabody, known by many as either “Mac” or “Richie,” died Thursday morning, July 3, 2008 at his home surrounded by his family.
Born in Peabody, he was the son of the late Edmund J. & Margaret (Regan) McIntire and was a resident of Salem & Peabody for all of his life.
Mac worked for Bicknell & Fuller in Peabody where he received The Benjamin Seigal Achievement Award in 1988 in recognition of his dedication, loyalty and commitment to excellence. In 2000, he retired after 39 years.
He was involved with the Franklin Park Association, Peabody, where he and his best friend, Bunky Dyer, built bonfires for 5 years in the early fifties. He was an avid golfer and one of the original members and past presidents of the North Shore Golf League. For the last twenty years, he organized golf trips for all of his friends.
He volunteered a great deal of time to the community through his efforts on the behalf of Salem organizations and their charity work on the behalf of the elderly, disabled and unfortunate. Mr. McIntire was a member of the A.O.H. Div18 in Salem where he had held the office of President, was a member of Board of Directors and Awarded Irishman of the Year in 2004, was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose 218 in Salem where he had held the position of Trustee and was an Associate Member of The Knights of Columbus in Salem.
Richie was a generous caring man with the kindest of souls who touched the lives and hearts of the many who will miss him so dearly.
He is survived by one son John R. McIntire, Jr of Salem, three daughters, Cindy McIntire and Donna Ramos both of Peabody, Heather McIntire of Lynn, four grandchildren, Richard Zaiter and Nena De La Cruz of Lynn, Hillary Perkins and Kara McIntire of Beverly, two great grandchildren, Kalvin De La Cruz of Lynn and Hunter McIntire-Strout of Beverly, one brother, Larry McIntire of Salem, three sisters Pat Espinola and Margaret McVann of Peabody, Louise Eldridge of Salem and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by one granddaughter, Courtney Zaiter.
His funeral service will be held Monday, July 7, 2008 at 11 am in the Full-Spychalski Funeral Home, 84 Washington Square East, by Salem Common, Salem. Visiting hours are Sunday, 2 to 6 pm. Relatives and friends respectfully invited. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a favorite charity of Mr. McIntire, Boys Town, 300 Flanagan Blvd, PO Box 7000, Boys Town, NE 68010. For on-line guestbook and directions, visit www.SalemFuneral.com.