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McDonald Funeral Home - Wakefield

19 Yale Avenue

Wakefield, Massachusetts

John SHEVLIN Obituary

SHEVLIN, John B. Jr., Of Wakefield, passed away peacefully, at his residence, surrounded by his family, on February 1. He was 79 years old. John was born in New London, CT on October 23, 1945 and was the son of the late John B. "Jack" Shevlin and the late Ann (Morehead) Shevlin. John was raised in Wakefield, MA and graduated from Wakefield High School, Class of 1963. During his high school career, John excelled both academically and as an athlete, especially as quarterback for the football team. His undefeated 1962 Wakefield High football team was invited to the White House to meet President John F. Kennedy. He matriculated to Harvard, where he continued to excel academically and was a member of Harvard's Varsity football team. He graduated from Harvard in 1967 and then went on to Boston College Law School, achieving his Juris Doctorate degree.

Upon graduating in 1970, he became a partner in commercial and residential real estate law at the law firm of Gilman, McLaughlin and Hanrahan. He enjoyed many lasting personal and professional relationships with his clients and their families, such as Chestnut Hill Realty, The Athenaeum Group and many others. Outside of his vocational pursuits, John will be remembered for his love of family and sports and travel. He had a tremendous love of sports, always in attendance at his children's sporting events and in later years, when life blessed him with four grandsons, he was always found on the sidelines of their football, basketball and lacrosse games cheering them on. John's spirit is best captured by his generosity and competitive nature. Without being asked, John went out of his way to ensure those in his life continued to succeed through his giving spirit. His competitive spirit, which began in his school years, never left him. He most enjoyed watching his passion for sports living on through his own family.

John was the husband of Marilyn (DuBois) Shevlin, with whom he shared 52 years of marriage. He was the proud father of Jennifer Lupien and her husband, Peter of North Reading, and Matthew Shevlin and his wife, Erica of Hingham. He was the cherished "Pop" to John Lupien, Quinn Lupien, Rhett Shevlin and Cole Shevlin. John was the brother of William Shevlin and his wife, Gail, Cynthia Shevlin and Diane Shevlin. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, extended family members and friends.

His Funeral Services will be private. Arrangements are in the care of

the McDonald Funeral Home in WAKEFIELD.. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the: Wakefield Warrior Club, P.O. Box 442, Wakefield MA 01880, Tax ID# 04-3154480, Venmo: @Wakefield-HSFootball or to the Animal Rescue League of Boston, 10 Chandler St., Boston, MA 02116, 617-426-9170 X604. For obit and guestbook, www.mcdonaldfs.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe from Feb. 6 to Feb. 9, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for John SHEVLIN

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4 Entries

Baba Sillah

March 24, 2025

A great soul has departed this earth! Rest well, John! know that I will never forget about you nor will my entire team. Your kindness was unmatched. Love and miss you dearly!

Dottie Hansbury Hodgson

February 11, 2025

Our family lived next door to John in the late 50's etc. John and Bill were the best best neighbors to be with playing many backyard baseball/wiffle ball games. Sorry for your loss. He had a life well lived.
Bob, Tommy and Dottie Hansbury Hodgson

Kathy Melvi

February 9, 2025

Marilyn and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I only met you walking Duncan in Breakheart with my late Yorkie, Martine but I was impressed by you warmth and caring. May God bless you with strength and courage during this painful time
In deepest sympathy
Kathy Melvin

Kristin Shaver

February 8, 2025

Dear Mrs. Shevlin, Jenny and Matthew,
I´m so sorry to hear about your loss.
Mr. Shevlin was such a kind, gentle man. I remember him from my time babysitting and, later, from his wise counsel.
I am thinking of all of you.
Love,
Kristin Rotondi Shaver

"It is nonsense to say God fills the gap; he doesn't fill it, but on the contrary, he keeps it empty and so helps us to keep alive our former communion with each other, even at the cost of pain. . . . The dearer and richer our memories, the more difficult the separation. But gratitude changes the pangs of memory into tranquil joy." Dietrich Bonhoeffer

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Funeral services provided by:

McDonald Funeral Home - Wakefield

19 Yale Avenue, Wakefield, MA 01880

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