John J. Wainwright

92, of Johnston, RI, formerly of Mashpee, MA and Warwick, RI, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. Born in Pawtucket, RI, he was the son of the late Samuel and Ada (Hall) Wainwright. 

John served in the Army during the Korean conflict, but was never deployed overseas before receiving an honorable discharge in 1955. After his time in the service, John fell in love with and married Maureen (Grattan) Wainwright. During their courtship, they enjoyed ballroom dancing - they could really dance! John and Maureen continued to glide effortlessly across dance floors together throughout their 66 years of marriage! 

John was a salesman for ITT Grinnell Corporation for 40 years. John and Maureen raised their family in Warwick, RI. They shared a life-long love of Cape Cod, often vacationing there during summers and ultimately retiring in Mashpee, MA in 1998. Together, they loved hosting family at their Cape home – especially after a long day at the beach capped off with steamers, quahogs, and cold beer on the deck sharing good natured ribbing and stories. John loved a good laugh and his laughter was infectious! 

John was an avid golfer in retirement playing countless rounds with his Surf Drive golf buddies (aka the “Pink Flamingos”). John was a proud member of the Falmouth Men’s Club. John and Maureen were daily communicants of Christ the King Church, where they renewed their wedding vows on their 50th and 60th wedding anniversaries!

John and Maureen returned to Rhode Island in 2021 – residing together at Anchor Bay at Pocasset in Johnston until just recently when John required more care. 

Besides his wife, Maureen, John is survived by his loving children, Karen Deorsey-Smith (Brian) of Cranston, RI, John J. Wainwright, Jr. (Karin) of East Greenwich, RI, Karol Gardner (James) of Deep River, CT, James Wainwright (Katie) of Windsor Heights, IA, and Paul Wainwright (Sandra) of Franklin, MA; twelve cherished grandchildren, Anthony Deorsey, Jr., Ashley Hendrickson, Amanda Ghiya, Emily Wainwright, John J. Wainwright, III, Colleen Gardner, MaryHope Gardner, Maureen Wainwright, Megan Wainwright, Patrick Wainwright, Maia Wainwright and Lilah Wainwright. He is also survived by six great-grandchildren. He was the dear brother of the late Russell Wainwright and Mae Audette. 

VISITING HOURS will be held in the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston on Friday, December 27, 2024 from 3:00 – 6:00 pm. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, December 28, 2024 at 10:00 am in St. Robert Bellarmine Church, 1804 Atwood Ave, Johnston. Burial, with military honors, will follow in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: HopeHealth Hospice, 1085 N Main St. Providence, RI 02904.