John M. Wisniewski

HOLDEN – John M. Wisniewski, 70, passed away on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester. Born and raised in Holden, John was the son of John M. and Helena R. (Fournier) Wisniewski. He was a 1966 graduate of Wachusett Regional High School. His wife of 44 years, Elizabeth A. (Ballard) Wisniewski died in 2012. John will be lovingly missed and remembered by two sons, Raymond J. Wisniewski of Holden and Matthew J. Wisniewski and his wife, Helen Kershaw of East Providence; two sisters, Judith Wisner and Linda Avedisian, both of Holden; nephews and nieces, including Joyce and John Avedisian; and cousins, including Lillian Lindberg. Besides his wife and parents, John was predeceased by two sisters, Marylou “Patsy” Rodriguez and Stephanie Wisniewski. He was a carpenter for several years before accepting a position as a custodian in 1986 for the Holden School Department which he passionately enjoyed for over 24 years. John worked at Rice Elementary School, Mountview Middle School and Davis Hill Elementary School before his retirement in 2010. He loved the outdoors, which included hiking on his family farmland in Holden, camping and kayaking. He was at one time an active member of the Chaffins Men’s Club, now the Chaffins Recreational Association, serving as president and chairman of its carnival. John was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Jefferson and the Hiram O. Taylor American Legion Post - Sons of the Legion in Sterling. He looked forward to daily afternoon trips to McDonald’s Restaurant in Holden where he would catch up with the gang on local gossip and national politics. He was considered an “old soul” by his family who remember him frequently reminiscing with them around the kitchen table on “how things used to be.” Relatives and friends are invited to visit with John’s family from 5 to 8 pm on Thursday, March 15, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A funeral service honoring his life will be celebrated at 11 am on Friday, March 16, at the funeral home. Burial will take place later at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Holden. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit our "Guest Book" on this page.