John Henry Cahalane

John H. Cahalane, Jr., 86, of Methuen, MA, passed away on Monday, May 4, 2020. He was born on March 4, 1934, to the late John H. Cahalane, Sr. and Gertrude (Champagne) Cahalane. He leaves his devoted wife of sixty-six years, Stella Ann (Stopyra) Cahalane.

Growing up in Lawrence, MA, John loved running and playing as a youth and graduated from Lawrence High School, class of 1952. He served four years in the US Air Force during the Korean War and then another four years as a reservist. He and his buddies were known as “The Musketeers.”

John became a member of the Julian Stopyra Post in Lawrence, which was named for his wife’s brother who died in Pearl Harbor. He was also a member of the Holy Name Society and Knights of Columbus in Lawrence. His passion and love for cooking lead him to Joe Bennetts Catering where he worked for many years. John became a welder by trade at Raytheon, Babco, Aironet, and Textron until his retirement.

As a parishioner at Holy Trinity Church, John used his amazing voice to sing in the church choir. In 1986, the family moved to Methuen and became parishioners at St. Lucy Church. They lived there until September of 2016, when John was admitted to Wingate Nursing facility in Haverhill, MA. He and his wife loved going to their camp at Province Lake to relax with family and friends. John also enjoyed fishing, golfing, playing cards, and socializing with close friends. He was an avid sports fan, especially watching his favorite team, the Boston Red Sox, and player, Andrew Benintendi.

In 2009, John Cahalane proudly accepted his eldest grandson’s invitation to officiate his wedding ceremony. Another grandson married a few years later and John was honored to preside over their exchange of wedding vows as well.

John is survived by his wife, Stella Ann (Stopyra) Cahalane of Methuen; his children: Steve Cahalane and his wife, Lorie (Ayers) Cahalane of Derry, NH, Timothy Cahalane and his wife, Kay Cahalane of Spearfish, SD, Catherine (Cahalane) Piantigini and her husband, John Piantigini of Methuen, and AnnMarie (Cahalane) Lamontagne and her husband, Bill Lamontagne of Lawrence. He also leaves behind his loving grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, and cousins.

Do not cry for me my loved ones for I am not alone. He taketh me to heaven where I am safe at home.

Due to the current health situation, all services and burial for John will be held in private with the assistance of Cataudella Funeral Home in Methuen. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in memory of John H. Cahalane, Jr. to the National Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverly Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452.