John R. Bregoli

John R. Bregoli of Braintree, MA, passed away on June 27, 2025, following a brief illness, at the age of 96.
Born and raised in Braintree, John was the last of six sons of Attilio and Ida Bregoli, who immigrated from Italy. He graduated from Braintree High School and earned a bachelor's degree at Boston University, and a master's degree at Bridgewater State University. He was proud of his service in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, where he was a corporal in the 780th Field Artillery Battalion.
John was the husband of the late Barbara (Johnson); the father of Joan and the late Michael Lawless of Weymouth, John M. Bregoli of Weymouth, and Ann Skirvin and husband Michael of Westborough; and grandfather of Michael Skirvin and wife Ericka of Safety Harbor, FL, Lauren Skirvin of Chicago, IL, and Kevin Skirvin of Somerville, MA. He also leaves behind brother-in-law John Johnson and his wife Paula, the late Herbert Johnson and his wife Sheila, and sister-in-law the late Clare (Tootsie) Johnson.
John began his career in education at South Junior High School in Braintree, where he was a social studies teacher, guidance counselor, and baseball coach. He was then appointed as a Housemaster at Braintree High School until his retirement.
While he loved all sports, baseball was John's favorite. He was captain of the baseball team at Braintree High, an All-Star in the Quincy Park League and South Shore League, and was inducted in the Braintree High School Athletic Hall of Fame. As much as he enjoyed his career in teaching, if a decision by Braves scouts who came to see him play had panned out, it's almost certain he would have dropped it all for baseball. But he was never far from sports throughout his life, from bowling leagues and softball fields to weekly basketball games. When his legs started to go, he took up golfing-and even got a "hole-in-one" at the D.W. Golf Course in Brockton.
John also built his own home in Braintree, a skill passed down from his father. As a young boy, John and his brothers often helped their father, who built many of the houses in Braintree. Whether he was tinkering in the garage or up on the roof, his children always knew where to find him due to another trait passed down from his father-whistling.
John always knew how to keep his mind sharp. He read three or four books a week, finished the Globe's crossword puzzle each morning, and loved watching Jeopardy-as long as it didn't conflict with a televised Sox game. A passionate Red Sox fan until the end, he never missed a game. And with the TV turned up to full volume to compensate for his deteriorating hearing, the neighbors probably never missed one either.
John joins his brothers Louis, Arthur, Edmund, Alfred, and Robert. We will miss all of them. Riposa in pace
Viewing will be held at the Cartwright Funeral Home, 845 Washington Street, Braintree, MA on Monday, July 7th, from 10:00 – 11:30 AM, with a service beginning at 11:30 AM in the Funeral Home. Following burial at St. Mary Cemetery in Randolph, friends and family are welcome to join us at La Scala, his favorite restaurant.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John's name to the Braintree Public Schools, 348 Pond St., Braintree, MA 02184. In the memo line please include, High School Athletic Department.
For directions or to leave a sympathy message for the family, please visit www.cartwrightfuneral.com.