John F. Lavelle

NEWBURGH and BREWER - John F. Lavelle, 69, passed away unexpectedly Aug. 29, 2011, at a Bangor hospital. John was born March 17, 1942, in South Boston, Mass., the son of "Jerry" and Eva (Monahan) Lavelle. He was a fourth generation resident of Boston's Dorchester neighborhood where his great-grandfather from County Mayo, Ireland, settled in 1861. John was named after his grandfather who was a Boston fireman. He attended Thayer Academy on an academic scholarship and Whitman Hanson High School, where he played baseball and football. He attended Farmington State Teachers College, where he played baseball. He also played in the Cape Cod League and Maine's semi-pro Quoddy League for Maine Hall of Fame Coach Neil Corbett. John moved to Maine with his ex-wife, Marilyn (McCann) Lavelle and his four children, which he lovingly called "God's Country." He worked as a certified safety professional in the commercial insurance industry. He was a Little League coach and enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping. He passed on his passion for sports, the Red Sox and Patriots to his children. He enjoyed golf until the day of his death. John was known for his engaging personality and sense of humor. He was a loving father, grandfather, brother and friend to many. He is survived by his four children, Jonathan and wife, Leslie, of New Hampshire, Susan Benavides and her husband, Izzy, of Texas, Jeremy and his wife, Ana, of Texas and Jeffrey of Florida; grandsons, Joseph, Jared, Jacob, Joshua Lavelle and Anthony Benavides; and granddaughters, Gabriella and Sydney Lavelle and Catherine Benavides; his brother, James and wife, Veronica; nieces and nephews. He will be remembered by special friends, Jim and Barbara Vickers. Family and friends may visit 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1, at Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, 69 State St., Brewer, where an informal memorial service will be held 8 p.m. as the visitation concludes. Donations in his memory may be sent to American Heart Association, 51 U.S. Route 1, Suite M, Scarborough, ME 04074 or to a Memorial Education Fund, care of Brewer Federal Credit Union, P.O. Box 189, Brewer, ME 04412, for his grandchildren.