Eugene E. "John" Vail

Eugene E. “John” Vail, age 76, a longtime resident of Lowell passed away following a brief illness on Thursday May, 2 2024 at Sunny Acres Rehabilitation Center in Chelmsford.  He was the beloved husband of Lucille M. (Soucy) Vail, to whom he was married for 51 years.  

He was born in Lowell on October 27, 1947, and was a son of the late Raymond J. Vail, Sr. and Gertrude M. (Savard) Vail.  He received his education in Lowell schools and was a graduate of Lowell Trade School.  

John proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps as an EOD Tech during the Vietnam War.  

Prior to his retirement, he was employed for 40 years as a firefighter for the City of Lowell, which included time with the Hazmat Unit, Investigations and Fire Prevention.  He was also the first hazmat team coordinator for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 

John coached and refereed local area basketball for many years.  

In free time he enjoyed taking care of his pool, however his greatest joy was spending time in the company of his loving family, especially his adoring grandchildren and great grandchildren.  

In addition to his wife, John is survived by his two sons, Raymond J. Vail, III and his wife Sherrold and Bristan R.J. Vail, all of Lowell; Bridie M. Kingsley and her husband Douglas of Medfield, MA; nine grandchildren and one due in August, Nicole Leo, Callen Vail, Sabrina Jenkins, Molly Vail, Adeline Vail, Patrick Vail, Jayden Whitcomb, Laylanie Whitcomb, Madilyn Vail and Baby Kingsley; three great grandchildren, Evan Leo, Owen Leo and Donovan Jenkins; two brothers, Joseph Vail of Lowell and Charles Vail of Chillicothe, IL; two sisters, Rachael Vail Ducharme of Westford and Trudy Vail Michel of Lowell; and many nieces and nephews.  

He was also the brother of the late Raymond J. Vail, Jr., Barbara Vail Pierce and Florida Vail Cullen and brother-in-law of the late Roger Ducharme, Ray Michel, and Theresa Muldoon Vail.

It being his wish, there will be no visitation.  Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass to be celebrated on Saturday, May 11th at 10:30am at the Immaculate Conception Church, 144 East Merrimack St., Lowell.  Burial in St. Joseph Cemetery in Chelmsford.  In lieu of flowers, donations for Masses to be said for John Vail can be made to: Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel 282 Still River Road Harvard, MA 01451.