John J. Powers

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.