Mr. John C. Shirley

SALEM- Mr. John C. Shirley, 81, of Salem, beloved husband of Nancy A. (Akstin) Shirley, died Friday, September 25, 2015 at North Shore Medical Center Salem Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Arlington he was the son of the late William and Dorothy Shirley. Raised and educated in Arlington he was a graduate of Arlington High School. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Tufts University. An honorably discharged veteran, Mr. Shirley proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict as a member of the United States Army. An amiable and dedicated employee, Mr. Shirley began a lengthy career with Powers Chemco Incorporated and Konica /Minolta, Woburn where he excelled as a Sales Consultant for over 52 years. A kind and devoted husband and father, John was a very charitable man who donated much of his time to several organizations. He volunteered for many years at St. James Church Bingo where he made many friends and was also an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan, as well as a gifted artist and painter. Above all else, his wife and children were the light of his life and he will be deeply missed by his family and many dear friends. Surviving John in addition to his wife Nancy are his daughters, Andrea Shirley of Dunedin, Florida and Kathryn Larsen of Boston and Norway, Maine and several nieces and nephews. ARRANGEMENTS: His Funeral Service will be held in The O'Donnell Funeral Home, 46 Washington Sq. (at Salem Common) Salem on Thursday, October 1st, 2015 at 6:30 P.M. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours from 4 to 6:30 P.M. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be made in John's memory to National Association of American Veterans at NAAV, Inc., Attn. Chief Executive Officer, P.O. Box 6865, Washington D.C. 20029. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.