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John Powers Obituary

John J. "Jack" Powers, 93, of Acton, died unexpectedly Sun. March 27, 2011 at the Emerson Hospital in Concord. He was the beloved husband of the late Elizabeth Anne (Giarrizzo) Powers, to whom he was married over 60 years at the time of her death on March 21, 2010. Born in Cambridge, he was the son of the late Nicholas and Mary (Crawley) Powers. Mr. Powers served honorably as a Staff Sergeant in the US Army's 390th Signal Company, Aviation, in the Pacific Theatre during WW II. He graduated from the Wentworth Institute of Technology and was a pattern maker for a short time, then worked as a postal clerk in Chestnut Hill for 30 years before retiring. A longtime Acton resident, Mr. Powers was described as a renaissance man who had many talents and interests. He enjoyed nature and time spent woodworking and gardening. He particularly liked surf casting for stripers and bluefish, and was an avid sailor. He also taught his six children to ski at the small local areas. A photographer, Mr. Powers had an artistic side. He and his wife established The Powers Gallery in Acton in 1964, which continues to be owned and operated by their son, Larry. Mr. Powers is survived by six children, David Powers of Salt Lake City, UT., Lawrence Powers of Acton, Michael Powers of Maynard, John Powers Jr. of Francistown, NH., Mary Laflamme of Lee, and Kathy Groenwold of Baltimore, MD. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren, and a sister-in-law Sally Powers of Wayland, and was looking forward to the birth of his first great-grandchild next month. He was the brother of the late Edward W. Powers and Agnes Kelly. Visiting hours are Wed. March 30th from 4:00-8:00pm at the Acton Funeral Home, 470 Massachusetts Ave (Rte 111) Acton. The funeral Mass will be celebrated Thurs. March 31st at 10:00 am in St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, 89 Arlington Street, Acton. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to either a fund in memory of his late grandson, the Joseph Laflamme Scholarship Fund, c/o Greater Grace Church, 160 High St., Lee, MA. 01238, or to the United Way of Acton-Boxborough, PO Box 2258, Acton, MA. 01720.

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Published by The Beacon-Villager from Mar. 28 to Apr. 4, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
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Nancy O'Brien

April 1, 2011

Dear Powers Family,

I have fond memories of visiting your mom and dad at the "old homestead" on Main St. in the early 90's. Each night they sat down to a candle lit dinner...I used to call them the "cutest couple in town".

Now they're together again, the "cutest couple in heaven"

Timothy Tierney

March 31, 2011

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Roberta Martellucci

March 29, 2011

I remember meeting Mary, Kathie, and Jay over 30 years ago in Lenox, MA. and thought...wow...this is one awesome family...I would LOVE to meet the parents who raised these gifted "kids"..What an amazing man to have raised such quality kids..thank you, Mr. Powers..

March 29, 2011

Remembering your great love story today and always.

WWll Veteran

Mary Powers Laflamme

March 29, 2011

Jean Cleary

March 29, 2011

We were so blessed to live just down the road as teenagers. To be in the Power's home then was like being enveloped in a piece of Heaven.I have so many great memories. I know your guys parents had influence on many lives, I feel particularly blessed to have a friend in all of you.David being the oldest ,not as much,but I loved your artwork and the way you were. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you! Love forever Jean (Lynch) Cleary

Barb Arne

March 29, 2011

I moved to the Boston area in 1986 and was forunate to meet and work with John and Larry at JJ Powers Gallery. John and Betty were like parents to me. They both had the kindest hearts and a great sense of humor. John introduced me to flea markets and collecting... John and I both enjoyed photography and shared many moments discussing photos and frame possibilites and the possibilites of "STUFF".
I will always treasure my memories of working and learning in his home.

Paul &Joyce DeVivo

March 28, 2011

Though we left Acton 10 years ago to live in a family homestead, we have warm memories of John and Betty Powers. They are among the "salt of the earth" people who made us feel at home when we first moved to Acton. I once called Betty for advice about canning, and we have a custom-made frame that John produced for a set of 6 postcards inherited from my grandparents.

March 28, 2011

My sincere condolences to the family of Jack Powers who was a kind and knowledgeable gentleman.
Judy McDonald

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