John Ingemi Sr.

NORTH BROOKFIELD John J. Ingemi, Sr. 88, passed away peacefully at home on May 31, 2016 with his wife by his side.

He leaves his wife of 55 years, Theresa M. (Foley) Ingemi. He is survived by his sister, Laura (Ingemi) Danek and her husband Edward of Enfield, CT, his brother-in-law Dennis Foley and his wife Jeannette of N.Brookfield. He was predeceased by his sisters Natalie, Josephine, Grace, Irene, and Mary.

John was born in North Brookfield on March 27, 1928, the youngest child and only son of Antonio and Lucia (Panaccione) Ingemi. John lived his entire life in his hometown. As a teenager, he worked at his father's barber shop until serving his country as a Sergeant in the US Army during the Korean War. Returning home from combat, he purchased the barber shop from his father and became a full time barber. He was most fondly known as John the Barber. He was a member of the American Legion and VFW, where he served as Quartermaster for over 20 years and chairman of the North Brookfield Housing Authority for many years. As if he wasn't busy enough, John organized the North Brookfield Memorial Day parade for over 30 years.

In 1955, John met Theresa Foley, the love of his life and they married on Tuesday, July 4,1961, so as not to interrupt the business. He always joked that he ""lost his independence on Independence Day!"" He leaves 5 children; son John Ingemi, Jr. & his wife Sandra of N.Brookfield; daughters Mary & her husband Jeff Copeland of Jefferson ,Martha Ingemi of Jefferson, Nancy Ingemi of Ellington,CT., and Kathryn and her husband Ron Premo, Jr. of Holden. Nothing meant more to John than the time he spent with his family, especially Terry - they were inseparable. John embraced the role of ""Grampy"" to his 16 grandchildren, Theresa, Natalie, Jacquelyn, Ryan, Jeffrey, Anthony, John III, Paul, Sean, Julia, Johanna, Caroline, Matthew, Elizabeth, Ronnie and Dominic. He was also a proud uncle to his many nieces and nephews.

John was full of energy. His lively spirit allowed him to participate in most any family adventure or endeavor, even up to his last day. He loved to travel, each year enjoying his anniversary and vacation in early July at Lake Winnipesaukee,NH.with as many family members as could attend.

John was also a long-time active member of St Joseph's Parish in North Brookfield, was a devoted man to his community, his country and most importantly his family. His presence will be greatly missed.

Friends and family are invited to attend calling hours on Monday,June 6, 2016 from 4-7PM in Pillsbury Funeral Home 44 Gilbert St. North Brookfield. The funeral Mass for John will be held on Tuesday at 11:00AM in St. Josephs Church 296 N. Main St. North Brookfield. Burial will follow in Walnut Grove Cemetery with full Military Honors. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the North Brookfield Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 73, North Brookfield, MA 01535. Please visit: Pillsburyfuneralhome.com