SECRIST, John Leonard Beloved husband of the late Muriel (Gifford), brother of the late Richard Secrist, and resident at the Brookdale Senior Living facility in Framingham, MA, passed peacefully from this life on February 20, 2018 at the age of 93. Born May 29, 1924 in Toledo, OH to George and Adelaide Secrist, he graduated from high school in Parkersburg, WVA. He attended Green Mt College in 1942 and later enrolled in Middlebury College's Naval Midshipmen Program, ultimately being recommended to officer training school in Indiana. He served in the Navy during 1943-1946 and sailed on the LST 1091 in the Pacific Theatre during WWII. He remained with the Navy in their Reserves Program for 20 years and attained the level of Lieutenant Commander. He received his Bachelor's degree in Science at Ohio State as a bacteriology major, and later received his Masters in Science from the U of Pittsburgh. He worked for HJ Heinz Co in Pittsburgh, William Underwood Co in Watertown, MA, and US Army Labs in Natick, MA, where he was involved in food technology and quality control, and developing products for the space and military programs. John participated in several musical endeavors in the Boston area: Needham Community Theatre, paid soloist at the Carter United Methodist Church in Needham, MetroWest Community Band under the late Gerry Ash, and sang in both the Newton-based Highland Men's Glee Club and the Cambridge-based Masterworks Chorale for 30 years. John leaves his two daughters Claudia Hopewell and her husband Richard of Medfield and Barbara Perlongo and her husband Jerome of Baldwin, NY, grandsons Jonathan Hopewell and wife Wendy of N. Attleboro, Michael Hopewell of NYC, and Robert Franz of Indianapolis, IN, great-grandsons Tyler and Gavin Hopewell of N. Attleboro, niece Lynne Secrist and nephews David, Mark and John Secrist. Interment services with Military Honors will be held at the MA National Cemetery, Bourne MA on Friday, March 16 at 11:30 a.m. Gifts of remembrance may be made to the Veterans Administration on his behalf. For full obituary or to share a memory of John, please visit www.eatonfuneralhomes.com Eaton Funeral Home 781-444-0201

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Published by Boston Globe from Feb. 27 to Mar. 4, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for JOHN SECRIST

8 Entries

Fay Schoenberg

March 26, 2018

One of the joys of my life was that Jeep sang at my wedding (and at sister Joy's and daughter Wendy's) I was drenched in tears at the sheer beauty.
My last I'm-person memories are of the four years we all met to celebrate Aunt Peg's 100-103 birthdays. There came Jeep and Mickey, in their 80's, driving from MA to PA in the snow!!
Jeep was a gem. I thank God for letting me know and love him. I know that the baritone section of the angels has been boosted for sure! Love, Fay

Nancy McILwrath

March 23, 2018

Dear Candy & Barbara and family,
What beautiful tributes & family memories.
I knew your Dad & Mom from Highland Glee Club & working with your Mom at Charles River ARC from 1981 until she retired.
You were richly blessed with wonderful caring parents & it showed in who they were & what they choose to do.
They are both in the church triumphant together
May memories continue to comfort you.
Prayfully
Nancy McILwrath
Needham

Robert Franz

March 17, 2018

I'd like to leave a memory of the words I (barely) spoke on Pops-s behalf at the funeral yesterday:

"Today we say goodbye to a great man. A husband of over fifty years. A father to two wonderful daughters. A grandfather and great-grandfather to five boys. The only true family patriarch I have ever known. A naval officer, whose service to his country is remembered and honored today. A loyal friend, an avid church-goer, and and everlasting community presence.

He will be missed in each and every one of these roles, but today I want to remember Pops not just for what he was to each of us, but for who he was. Two gigantic ears, with the smartest man in the room between them. I don't remember a time before Pops retired...I can't even remember his 70th birthday, but for my whole life I've known a man with a sharp mind, a quicker wit, and an unrelenting curiousity. When I think of Pops, I have so many memories of the family sitting at the Secrists' dining room table, listening (or subject to) a line of questioning coming from a place of pure interest, a desire to understand completely. From this young boy's eyes, he was equally interested in people and process, form and function; a trait that I could not comprehend the rarity of then, but have since grown to admire and aspire to.

The last thing I'd like to share today is something that I don't believe even my mother (Pops' daughter Barbara for those of you reading who don't know me) knows: no matter how busy or short the visit, I can always remember a moment Pops and I shared, just the two of us. In these moments, no matter how little was said, we would share an unspoken feeling of understanding, acceptance, and love. As I grew up, and these moments became fewer and further between, I cherished and looked forward to them more and more. That's what I'll remember most and carry with me, while I drive his designated "dump van" to and from work every day.

To the smartest man in the room. I love you, Pops."

Joy Hehr

March 6, 2018

Dear Candy, Rick, Barbara, Jerome, and families
Joe and I send our deepest sympathy in memory of your sweet "Jeeper".
We loved him too and will remember his wonderful big voice. He sang at our wedding as well as my sister Faye's and my daughter's weddings! What a voice!
Love, Joy and Joe

Rita DiCataldo

March 4, 2018

Dear Barbara,

I am so very sorry for the loss of your Dad. I was glad to get to know your Dad through you. It's so hard when our parents leave us, but knowing he is with your Mom hopefully brings you some comfort. Hugs and prayers for your family.

Barbara Perlongo

March 3, 2018

My Dad was my rock! He was my pal. As a child, I was like the son he never had. We went to baseball games, we thru the football in the yard, we played hoops in the driveway. I sat and watched all sporting games on TV while he yelled at the players. Dad was always there for me. He gave me the foundation to become a strong, self-sufficient woman as I was the one who went to college and never came back home. Family was important and he always made time for family. He support me in all of my endeavors. Our love of music came from Dad and we shared together through our church growing up. As I ventured into Dance and Musical Theatre, he traveled and brought Mom to all of my dance concerts in college and then theatrical shows performed in the Northeast - driving as far as 6 hrs. away. I lived on my own for several years and with the foundation he provided, I was able to stand on my own two feet and make a life for myself. If I ever needed help, he would always be there to lend a hand. Dad, your journey has been a long and fruitful and you have touched so many people along the way. Now is your time to rest and go back to Mom. She has missed you these past 3 years. May you both find comfort once again in each others arms and continue to watch over me as I continue down life's journey wherever that may lead. I love you Dad with all my heart. Give a big hug to Mom for me too!

February 28, 2018

Sorry for your loss. May the "God of all comfort," help to ease the pain of your grief during this time.(1 Cor 1:3-7)

david secrist

February 27, 2018

Uncle John had a big influence on my life! Loved him like a father. He was always positive and cheerful when we had occasion to meet. Even snitched on my fathers shenanigans when I was adolescent and getting into trouble with my dad. I will remember him as a loving, dedicated husband and father, as well as an avid sailer. I started routing for his red sox and steelers because of his residences. I am thankful to God that he passed peacefully and with his dignity. Sympathy and Prayers to him and his family!
Dave Secrist (nephew)

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