John W. McNally

John W. McNally, 83, of Westminster, died peacefully Thursday, February 15, 2024, in Sterling Village, after a long battle with cancer with his family by his side. 

Born in Fitchburg on September 10, 1940, he was the son of the late James and Julia (Seliga) McNally. He attended Fitchburg High School with the Class of 1959 before joining the Air Force. John was a United States Air Force Veteran serving from 1957 to 1959. John worked in the shipping and receiving department at Aubuchon Hardware of Westminster for many years prior to his retirement. 

John was a life member of the Hubbardston Rod and Gun Club, permanent member of the Ashburnham Turnpike Club, member of the Thomas P. Sweeney American Legion Post 142 of Ashburnham, and the VFW Post 7389 of Westminster. John was a true outdoorsman who enjoyed everything nature had to offer. He loved to go fishing, target shooting, taking trips to Cape Cod—where often he would be caught with his camera capturing the scenery and watching sunsets. John was a snowbird, settling in Florida for the winter months for many years. His greatest joy was his family, treasuring all the special moments. 

John is survived by his two sons, Sean McNally and his significant other Alesha Clapp of Westminster and Shannon McNally of Gardner; two daughters, Kelly McNally of Lowell and Kathleen Loder and her husband John of Maine; four grandchildren, Amanda, Sean, Hannah and Brad; several great-grandchildren; two sisters, Maureen Daoust and her husband Glenn of Fitchburg, and Shelia Philbin of Leominster; his girlfriend, Althea Donahue of Ashburnham; several nieces, nephews and cousins. 

He was predeceased by his wife of 43 years, Linda E. (Nevala) McNally, who died in 2007; and a sister, Judy McGuirl. 

Calling Hours will be held Wednesday, February 21, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA. A Celebration of Life will follow at 2:30 p.m. in Blueprint American Bar & Grill, 10 Village Square, Westminster, MA. 

Burial at Mount Pleasant Cemetery will be private and held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center, 268 Central Street, Gardner, MA 01440. Please reference in memory of John W. McNally.