GLOUCESTER: John V. Davis, 88, of Cherry Street, died Friday evening, February 5, 2010 in the Golden Living Center following a brief illness. He was the husband of the late Patricia E. (Meade) Davis, who died in June of 2005.
Born in Manchester on January 18, 1922, he was the son of the late Edward V. and Helen (McCarthy) Davis. He was a graduate of the Story High School class of 1940.
A U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, he served aboard the USS Panamint, an amphibious force command ship which directed the invasion of Okinawa. They first patrolled the coast from Cuba to New York and then crossed the Atlantic for the invasion. He was honorably discharged as an electrician’s mate second class in November of 1945. He was a member of the Capt. Lester S. Wass Post #3, American Legion.
John was employed as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service for nearly thirty years, having retired in 1988. He continued his membership in the NALC.
An avid gardener, he enjoyed time spent working in his yard. He was an enthusiastic Boston sports fan. He found great joy in experiencing the antics of his cat, Miss Lilly.
He is survived by a daughter, Sherrie A. Ouellette of Saugus, three sons, John V. “Jay” Davis, Jr. and Timothy J. Davis both of Gloucester, Thomas C. Davis of Los Angeles, CA, two granddaughters, Cynthia R. Jamerson and Tracey A. Ragucci both of Saugus, three great-grandchildren, Jacob and Jason Jamerson and Ryan Ragucci and numerous nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by son, Gary M. Davis, grandson, Matthew R. Ouellette, who was a former Massachusetts state poster child for muscular dystrophy, and brothers, Edward V. Davis, Jr. and Richard B. Davis.
His funeral service will be celebrated on Wednesday morning in the Pike-Grondin Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester at 9:30 a.m. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday from 5 – 8 p.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Greater Boston Chapter, 450 Washington St., Dedham, MA 02026. Interment will be held in the Calvary Cemetery.