John J. Richinick Jr.

JEFFERSON — John J. Richinick Jr., 69, died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Friday, December 20, 2024, after an almost two-year battle with cancer.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Maryellen (Doherty), in 2003. He leaves two daughters, Jennifer Swanson and her husband Kevin of Brookfield, and Michele Gorman and her husband Andrew of Astoria, New York; four grandchildren, Aiden, Maryellen, Ellie, and Connor; a brother, Jim of Auburn; two sisters, Janice of West Boylston, and Judy Goguen of Northborough; a longtime partner, Celeste Nozzolillo of Holden; in-laws, Cathy, Ellen, and John Doherty; four nephews and a niece; and best friend, Brad Klar, whom he has known since he was 5 years old, along with his wife, Robin. John was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Bill Goguen.

John was born and raised in West Boylston, the son of the late John and Jane (Jeznach). He graduated from West Boylston High School in 1973 and went to Worcester Junior College for two years. He received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Central New England College of Technology in 1977. John and Maryellen married in 1980. He lived in Jefferson for 43 years. John worked briefly as a chemical engineer and spent most of his career as a salesperson in the commercial oil industry.

John was an avid fan of auto racing, especially drag racing, and of antique cars. He was a member of the Old Car Club, of which he served as president; the Mid-State Antique Auto Club, of which he served as treasurer; and the Wachusett Old Car Club. John looked forward to annual summer trips to New England beaches, where he enjoyed boogie boarding with his daughters and grandchildren, and eating lobster — with drawn butter, not mayonnaise. He valued family gatherings on holidays and at cookouts. He liked going out to eat with relatives and friends — his go-to order was prime rib — and listening to oldies music anytime of the year.

John’s family will never forget his unconditional friendliness, loyalty, and perseverance. John was extremely grateful for his Dana-Farber Cancer Institute oncologist, Dr. Humberto Rossi; DFCI chemotherapy nurse, Kim Schoen; and VNA Hospice nurse, Miriam Rogers-Montalvo.

A wake will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, December 27 at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 28 in St. Mary’s Church, 114 Princeton St., Jefferson. Following the service, John will be laid to rest beside his wife in St. John’s Cemetery, Cambridge Street, Worcester.

In lieu of flowers, John requested memorial donations be made to Brooks’ Mission, which helps families cope after the loss of a child, at https://brooksmission.org/support/ .

To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit his tribute wall.