John M. Priest

John M. Priest

John M. Priest, of the Belvidere section of Lowell, passed away on January 14, 2026 at the age of 87 with his family by his side after a period of declining health. He was a devoted Husband, Father and Grandfather.

John was the beloved husband of Constance M. "Connie" (O'Donnell) Priest with whom he shared 62 wonderful years of marriage on August 17, 2025.

John was born on July 6, 1938, in Lowell, to Erle Nathaniel and Mary (McGagh) Priest. He was raised in the Acre section of Lowell and attended St. Patrick Grammar School and Keith Academy. He continued his education at Lowell Technological Institute before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps, where he proudly served until his honorable discharge in 1965. Following his discharge from the US Marines, John served as Staff Sergeant in the US Air Force Reserve as an aircraft mechanic at Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford, MA. He was honorably discharged in 1967. His exceptional military aircraft mechanic skills led to a career with Eastern Air Lines at Logan Airport in Boston. John went on to enjoy a long and successful career at Xerox Corporation based in Lexington MA, where he served as a Field Service Manager until his retirement.

John loved classic cars, motorcycles, and anything mechanical. He could fix just about anything! He passed those skills on to his two sons and their friends. They fondly referred to him as "MacGyver".

John and Connie purchased a home on Lake Arrowhead in North Waterboro, Maine where they enjoyed all four seasons for over 40 years. An avid outdoorsman, he loved swimming, bass fishing, canoeing, boating, jet skiing, snowmobiling, snow skiing, skating, ATV rides and ice fishing with Connie, his sons, grandkids, friends and neighbors. John especially loved being Captain of his pontoon boat (with his dogs as first mates) and taking family on cruises while giving boat driving lessons to his grandkids. When back on land he would take them on fun adventures on the ATV through the beautiful woods of Maine to help them build an appreciation of birds, wildlife and nature. He was a quiet and gentle man who, above all else, adored the time he spent with his family. Later in retirement John and his wife escaped the cold New England winters and traveled to sunny Cape San Blas Florida. John and Connie truly enjoyed nature and loved to explore the wildlife during their travels. Their mutual love of dogs produced many happy experiences and memories. Their furry friends included Binky, Knuckles, Molly, Annabelle and Patrick who survives him.

In addition to his wife, Connie, he is survived by his sons, John "Jack" Priest Jr. and spouse, Chris Yester of Salem, MA, Michael Priest and spouse, Mary Carlino Priest of Tewksbury; grandchildren, Dr. Amanda Priest Toomey and spouse, Evan of South Easton MA, and Daniel Priest of Tewksbury. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Bagley of Lynn; his sister-in-law, Barbara Windmoller of Tifton, Georgia; and many beloved nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

He was predeceased by his brother Thomas Priest, brother-in-law John Bagley and brother-in-law Werner Windmoller.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at: https://www.stjude.org/donate/ or to: The American Cancer Society at: https://donate.cancer.org/?campaign=default&lang=en

According to John's wishes there will be no calling hours.

On Saturday 24 January 2026 all are welcome to attend his funeral mass at 10:30 a.m. at St. William of York Parish on Main St. in Tewksbury, MA 01876

Private burial services will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in Tewksbury MA.

Find us on Facebook or visit http://www.tewksburyfuneralhome.com to leave the family a message of condolence at any time.