John O. “ Jack “ Sidebottom, a lifelong resident of Stoughton and a United States Navy Veteran of both World War II and the Korean Conflict passed away at home on Wednesday February 17, 2010. He was 84 years old and the loving husband of 61 years to Norma ( Leathers ) Sidebottom. Besides his wife he is also survived by his children, John E. Sidebottom and his wife Kathleen of Taunton and Kathy Ann ( Sidebottom ) Gillcrist and her husband Paul of Toccoa, GA. Other survivors include his three sisters, Bernice Hagg, Olive Todd, Ruth Jenkins all formerly of Stoughton and several beloved grandchildren and great – grandchildren. He was also a brother to the late Alfred O. Sidebottom and Richard Colson.
Born June 6, 1925 in Stoughton, Massachusetts John was a son to the late James Alfred and Bernice ( Pratt ) Sidebottom. He attended Stoughton Public Schools and was a 1943 graduate of Stoughton High School. On the day before his eighteenth birthday Mr. Sidebottom enlisted in the United States Navy. He attained the rank of Yeoman Third Class aboard the USS Enoree and along with his shipmates played active roles in several combat missions aboard the ship and were ultimately awarded several medals and accomodations. John re - enlisted in the Navy during the Korean conflict aboard the USS Shadwell. John was also the current reunion chairman of the USS Enoree Association. Prior to his retirement in 1990, Jack was employed as a retail manager for the former BPM and current Shaw’s Supermarkets for thirty – six years.
Mr. Sidebottom was a very active and dedicated member of The First Parish Universalist Church in Stoughton. He served the church as the former chairman of the Board of Trustees, was the former Chairman of the Building Survey Committee, was a proud member of the church's search committee and was also the former President of the 20 / 40 Club as well as the church's head usher. He was also an active member and served the Stoughton Historical Society as one of the organizations Archivists. John was also a former member of the Rising Star Masonic Lodge in Stoughton and the VFW post also in Stoughton.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday February 19, 2010 from 4 – 8 P.M. in the Sheehan Funeral Home, 115 Monk Street, Stoughton. His funeral service will be held on Saturday February 20, 2010 at 1:00 P.M. in the First Parish Universalist Church, 790 Washington Street, Stoughton. The Rev. Jeffrey B. Symynkywicz, officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory can be made to the First Parish Universalist Church, 790 Washington Street, Stoughton, MA 02072, The Stoughton Historical Society, 6 Park Street, Stoughton, MA 02072 or Hospice Services of Massachusetts, 391 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149.