John Pendleton Authelet

1932 - 2023

John "Jack" Pendleton Authelet, 90, went home to the Lord on Monday, Sept. 18, 2023.

He was the beloved husband of the late Margery (McKay) Authelet, his high school classmate to whom he was wed 65 years at her passing in 2017.

Born in Foxboro on Sept. 26, 1932 to Emil and Ruth (Burdick) Authelet, he was a 1950 graduate of Foxboro High School and had lived in the town his entire life.

Best known for his decades-long association with The Foxboro Reporter – first as editor, and later a longtime contributor – he also was a respected historian, who served on both the Foxboro Historical Commission and Foxboro Historical Society while authoring five books on local history.

He also served as a longtime board member and president of the Doolittle Home in Foxboro, had been a founder – along with the late Jerry Rodman – of the Foxboro Discretionary Fund, and was a member of the Union Church of South Foxboro, where he served on the Board of Trustees and also as moderator.

Recipient of numerous honors for his newspaper work, he was active in several press organizations and had been selected for a delegation that traveled to India to help promote community journalism there.

Jack leaves a large, loving family which includes four daughters: Lynne (and George) Sarikas of Norfolk, Jayne (and Bob) Siteman of Foxboro, Mary Lou DeCosta of Colchester, Vt. and Laurie (and Brian) Risler of Westfield.

Grandchildren include Leslie (Sarikas) Lukow (and Stefan), Eric (and Elizabeth) Guenard, Jonathan (and Elle) Guenard, Elliot (and Amanda Guenard), Elaine Day, John (and Hillary) Risler, Christopher (and Mallory) Risler, and Jennifer (Risler) Leverault (and Kyle).

Great-grandchildren include Ethan and Parker Lukow, Riley, Emmy and Cooper Guenard, Jack, Gwen and Ben Risler and Mallory and Charlotte Leverault. Elliot and Amanda will be welcoming great-grandchild #11 any day now.

Jack is also survived by his brother, Emil (and Donna) in Surprise Ariz., as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by two siblings, Harry Authelet and Mary Stott, a daughter, Susan Diane, and grandson David John DeCosta.

Calling hours will be on Tuesday, Sept. 26 from 4 to 7 p.m. from the Roberts & Sons Funeral Home, 30 South St., Foxboro. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 27 at the Church of Emmanuel, 106 Central St., Foxboro. Those attending calling hours and/or the service are respectfully asked to wear masks to prevent the spread of COVID. To send an online condolence please visit the funeral home web site at www.robertsandsonsfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Foxboro Discretionary Fund, P.O. Box 636, Foxboro, MA 02035.