John J. Wedge

Devoted Husband, Father, Grandfather & Friend

John J. Wedge, age 84, died peacefully in his home, surrounded by family on Monday, September 23, 2024. Affectionately known as Johnny, he was the beloved husband of Barbara A. (Vitale) Wedge, with whom he shared love, happiness and adventures for nearly 60 years of marriage.

He was born in Chelsea on February 28, 1940 and was the son of the late Rose M. (LeClair) and J. Alfred Wedge. Upon graduating from St. Jean Baptiste High School in Lynn, Johnny joined the military and proudly served in the Air Force and Air National Guard for a total of 14 years. During his career he served honorably in several different positions and took on many challenging assignments.

While on assignment in San Antonio, Texas, Johnny was introduced to square dancing and through a trusted mentor became a square dance caller. He enjoyed over 50 years of calling and was a well-respected member of CALLERLAB for 35 years. Johnny loved teaching people to dance and was instrumental in the formation of several square dance clubs in New England.

Johnny was a devoted member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Dracut, where he served as Eucharistic Minister, Altar Server and member of the Funeral Outreach Program. He was also a Fourth Degree Knight and fulfilled the role of Chancellor in the Knights of Columbus.

As a member of the Boy Scouts, Johnny earned his Eagle Scout Badge and acted as a Scout Leader for several years. It was during this time that he developed his love of camping. He was a talented pianist and guitar player and would spend hours strumming the guitar around a campfire while regaling family and friends with his extensive repertoire of songs.

In addition to his wife Barbara, Johnny is survived by his two daughters, Kathleen Wedge of Dracut and Michelle Kenney and her husband, Steven of Nashua, NH; his grandchildren, Alexander Kenney and his wife, Ashley and Sarah Kenney; his sister, Rose Marie Wedge; his sister-in-law, Mary Wedge; as well as many extended family and friends.

He was the brother of the late Pearl Nolan and her husband, Paul, Ronald Wedge and Bernard Wedge.

The family would like to thank all the nurses and staff at Tuft Medicine Care at Home, for the care provided to Johnny and his family through his end of life transition.

Family and friends are invited to attend Johnny’s Life Celebration on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 from 4 until 7 PM at the McKENNA-OUELLETTE FUNERAL HOME, 327 Hildreth Street, Lowell. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday at 10 AM in St. Francis of Assisi Church, Dracut and will be live-streamed at https://saintfrancis.net/live-stream. Burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Johnny’s memory to either the American Cancer Society, 3 Speen Street, Suite 250, Framingham, MA 01701 or St. Francis Church, P.O. Box 609, Dracut, MA 01826.