May 30, 1924 – May 26, 2023
John Brooks Fairchild passed away Friday, May 26, 2023, at 98 years of age, at his home with family by his side. Born and raised in Reading, MA, along with his sister, the late Natalie (Fairchild) Clark, the son of the late James and Gladys (Nichols) Fairchild. Admired and adored husband of the late Shirley (Mills), father of Lee and his wife Liz and Jim and his wife Deedee of San Diego, CA, Barbara Burns of Reading, MA, David and his wife Angie of Soddy Daisy, TN, and Marsha and her life partner Jeremy Dolan of Stoneham, MA. He is a grandfather of 8, a great grandfather of 9.
John was a part of the Reading Nichols family dating back to the mid-1600s. He graduated high school from the New Hampton School in New Hampton, New Hampshire, in 1942, then enlisted in the Army shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor at the age of 18. He served in the Pacific theater of WWII, and went on to serve in the Korean War, leaving after the end of the war with the rank of Sergeant 1st Class. He and Shirley married in 1954 and returned to the home where he grew up, building their house next door to his mother, where they remained for the rest of their respective lives. John worked as parts manager of the Barber Greene company for over 30 years and retired in 1989, only when the company closed the doors. He and Shirley traveled some after retirement. They were particularly fond of Hawaii and a visit to the Arizona Memorial was a regular part of those trips.
The family would like to share our gratitude to Seniors Helping Seniors and all their staff for the care they have provided Dad for the past three years. Your love and support will never be lost or forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in honor of John Fairchild to DAV, Disabled American Veterans PO Box 14301 Cincinnati, OH 45250 or online at www.day.org
John’s wife Shirley passed away during the beginning period of Covid lockdown at the age of 95. We were not able to hold a memorial service for her at that time and will be honoring her life as well. Born in Everett MA, to the late Frank and Sally (Butt) Mills. She was the first child of Canadian immigrants in the US. Her sisters Marjorie (Mills) Wilson and Barbara (Mills) Hagan preceded her in death. During their 66 years of marriage, she was forever giving of herself to family, friends, the church, and her favorite charities. She enjoyed home parties, knitting, sewing, and making sure everyone had plenty to eat. She had such a strong devotion to Jesus Christ and went to be with him willingly on March 16, 2020.
Friends and family are invited to a memorial service honoring both John and Shirley on Monday, June 12th, at the First Congregational Church of Reading at 10am followed by John’s burial at Forest Glen Cemetery, Reading. There are no visiting hours.
