John Florence, Jr.

John Florence, Jr. - Lovingly known as ‘Grampy”

LOWELL - John Florence, Jr, age 74, a longtime Lowell resident, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, September 23, 2024, at Vantage of Chelmsford after a long and hard-fought battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). John was the eldest son of the late John and Agnes (Collins) Florence. He was born on March 16, 1950, in Lowell, MA. He was educated at St. Michael’s School, Keith Academy Class of 1968, and finished his education at Salem State. Following graduation, John began a lifelong career in education at St. Michael’s School and then the Town of Dracut. He was an avid runner turned walker, spending countless hours walking the boulevard and streets around his longtime home on Christian Hill. 

John cherished nothing more than his faith and family, which began when he met his beloved wife of 52 years, Catherine (Cheetham) Florence, in high school. They were married on June 17, 1972. In addition to his loving wife, Cathy, he is survived by his son, John, and his wife, Alexis, his daughter Shaelagh, and her husband, Jeffrey Thurston, and his youngest daughter Jennifer, and her husband, Jeffrey Richardson. In addition to his three children and their spouses, he was most lovingly known as “Grampy” to his 11 grandchildren. He leaves behind Michaela, Joshua, Noah, Anna, Maggie, Cate, Cian, Ava, Violet, Matthew, and Lachlan. 

John is preceded in death by his older sister, Marguerite Hogan. He is survived by Marguerite’s husband, Ernest Hogan; his brothers, Richard and William Florence, and their wives, Nancy "Kip" and Christine; his younger sister, Mary Morin, and her partner, Scott Wozniakowski; and his sister-in-law, Mary Ellen, and her husband, Michael Conole. He is also lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by his brother-in-law, Phillip W. Morin Jr. 

In addition, the family would also like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff who cared for him over the last few years of his courageous battle with PSP. 

Relatives and friends are invited to John’s Life Celebration on Sunday from 2 until 6 PM at the McKENNA-OUELLETTE FUNERAL HOME, 327 Hildreth Street. His Funeral Mass will be Celebrated on Monday morning at 10:30 AM in St. Michael Church. Burial will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Michael’s Saint Vincent DePaul Society, 543 Bridge Street, Lowell, MA 01850.