E. Woodstock – John P. Gifford, Sr., 91, of Woodstock Rd., passed away on Saturday, August 9, 2014 in his home surrounded by his loving family. He is the loving husband of Viola (Merolli) Gifford, whom he married on August 31, 1957 in St. Paul’s Cathedral, Worcester, MA. Born in Dudley, MA he was the son of the late Paul M. and Pearl (Alton) Gifford.
Mr. Gifford was a proud World War II veteran serving in the U.S. Army as a Tech Sergeant. He was a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design and worked in the textile industry as a wool buyer and purchasing agent.
John was a history buff and especially liked studying WWII. He loved wooden sail boats, jazz music, reading and summering at Watch Hill.
In addition to his wife, John is survived by his sons; John P. “Jack” Gifford, Jr. and his wife Patricia of Woodstock and Peter R. Gifford of Thompson; daughters, Ann A. Donovan of Woodstock and Christine Gifford of Putnam; grandchildren, Valerie, Seth, Noah, Shea, Matthew, Emily, and the late Carolyn; and great grandchildren, Maizie, Parker, Esther, and Nora. John is predeceased by his first wife, Juliette (Perron) Gifford; and siblings Dudley, Elizabeth and Barbara Gifford.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with John’s family from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturday, August 16, 2014 in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam, closing with Military Honors at 1:00 pm. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.
Karen Doyle
The Gifford Family,
Our sympathy in the loss of your Dad. Keeping you all in our thoughts & prayers.
Karen and Bill
Robert Platt
I remember John from many years ago at Uxbridge Worsted Mills…He was a friendly gentleman who will be missed by his loved ones. I worked with his wife, Viola as well. She was also a very friendly lady. We have long since lost contact and reading his obit was very sad.