John Henry Cluett Jr.

Gloucester, MA - John Henry Cluett Jr., 78, of Gloucester, passed away Saturday, September 21st at the Seacoast Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Son of the late Gerda (Olson) Cluett and John Henry Cluett Sr., John was born and raised in Gloucester. He graduated from Gloucester High School in 1964.
John grew up shooting pool at Nick's Pool Room on Main Street, playing hockey on the ponds of East Gloucester, and roving Rocking Neck, where his older brother owned Bickford Marina.
After high school, John was drafted into U.S. Army where he attained the rank of Captain. Serving two tours of duty with the 101" Airborne in Vietnam, John earned the Silver Star for gallantry in action, as well as two Bronze Stars and the Combat Infantryman's Badge.
A defenseman for the North Shore League Champion GHS hockey team, hockey remained a lifelong passion for John as he continued to play four times a week up until a year and a half before his passing. Later in life, John rekindled a childhood interest in flying RC planes, and he had spent several years practicing karate, earning a fourth-degree black belt.
John's favorite vacation spot was the Cayman Islands where he traveled seven times with his wife, Debbie. He became an annual participant at Vietnam Veteran's reunions held around the country. John held a long-time wish to visit the beaches of Normandy, which he fulfilled on the 70th anniversary the D- Day landings.
John is survived by his loving wife Deborah (Tarr) Cluett with whom he spent 34 years; as well as his son David S. Cluett of Gloucester; his devoted daughter Laura Cluett-Sacco and her husband John Sacco of Danvers; his stepsons Paul J. and Jason E. Munroe of Gloucester; his sister Melinda Carroll of Newbury; his cherished granddaughter Anna Cluett-Warren; his grandson Alden Cluett; and his former spouse and close friend Anne Whilton. He was predeceased by his older brother Stephen Cluett. The family would like to give special thanks to the wonderful staff at Seacoast Nursing and Rehabilitation Center who gave such personalized care of John during his illness and to whom John grew close over the course of his stay. The family would also like to thank the staff of Care Dimensions Hospice.
Visiting hours will take place on Sunday, September 29, 2024 from 1 to 4 PM at the Campbell Funeral Home, 61 Middle St., Gloucester. Interment service will be private and at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to CLUETT's CREW at Run to Home Base, www.homebase.org, which was established in 2022 to honor John's service, or Cape Ann Youth Hockey, PO Box 3091 Gloucester, MA 01930. Information, directions, condolences at www.CampbellFuneral.com.