John J. Remillard, 85, of New Bedford died peacefully in his sleep January 17, 2010 at Forestview Nursing Home. A lifelong resident of New Bedford, John was the son of the late Armand and Helen (Mayville) Remillard. He was the husband of the late Claire J.(Phaneuf) Remillard and the late Dorothy (Zielinski) Remillard.
John graduated from New Bedford Vocational High School where he was a star in football, baseball and basketball. In 1988 he was honored as an inductee to Voke’s Hall of Fame for his excellence in athletics. For over 20 years he was a Southeastern Massachusetts Football Official and loved the game and the players.
John was employed as a correctional officer at the Bristol County House of Correction for 20 years until his retirement. After “retirement” he operated a small business doing draught beer system servicing. Mr. Remillard served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a Seabee building runways on Pacific islands.
Survivors include four children, Jim Remillard and his wife Sherry of Charleston, SC; David Blais and his partner Sue Ann of South Dartmouth; Adele Leeks of Westport; Lisa Houle and her husband Carl of Fairhaven; four grandchildren, Alexis and Damon Remillard, Jake Blais and Kendra Leeks and three great grandchildren. He was the father of the late Kristine Remillard.
A Graveside Service for family and friends will be held this Saturday, January 23 at 10 AM in St. Mary's Cemetery, Route 6 in New Bedford, followed by a gathering at the Reservation Golf Club, 10 Reservation Road, Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to the Community Nurse and Hospice Care, 62 Centre Street, Fairhaven, MA 02719 or to the Dartmouth Council On Aging, 628 Dartmouth Street, South Dartmouth, MA 02748.