Tribute & Message From The Family
John M. Willis, 52, of Manchester NH passed away unexpectedly at his home on July 1st, 2019. He was born on March 31st, 1967 in Boston Massachusetts to Madeline (Francis) and Carl D. Willis. He graduated from Boston Latin School, and moved on to Norwich University where he received his degree in Criminal Justice in 1992.
John was an avid reader and collector of books, especially comics. He was also a lover of movies (especially sci-fi) and an active member of the Church of Christ. In his free time, he liked to exercise and socialize with his friends. He also happened to be a cigar aficionado.
In life, he worked as a substance abuse counselor at Baymark Health Services. He previously worked as a Park Ranger in the Boston Common.
He is survived by his mother, Madeline (Francis) Willis of Manchester, NH, His sisters, Carla Kelton and her husband James of Norwood MA, and Regina Willis, of El Paso, TX; his brothers, David Willis and his wife Aliz of Everett MA, Carl Willis Jr. of Dorchester MA, and Steve Willis and his wife Zoe of Bow NH, and his two nieces Alina and Samara, also of Bow. Also many extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Carl Willis.
A Funeral Service took place on Monday, July 8, 2019 in the chapel at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St., Manchester. Burial in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Mattapan, MA will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Epilepsy Foundation of New England, 650 Suffolk Street, Suite 405, Lowell, MA 01854
Condolence & Memory Journal
My dear John- Not a day goes by that I do not think of you and say your name. I miss you tremendously. It will never be the same. Your smile and voice alone was always a happy moment in my life. I love you John. Rest easy my beautiful brother. I just love you so much.
Posted by
Carla Willis Kelton - Norwood, MA - Sister September 11, 2019
John you left me too soon! My heart is still healing from the loss.. We will meet again one day soon and have lots of stories to laugh about. Until we meet again love you big brother!
Posted by
steve willis - concord, NH - Brother September 10, 2019
He will me missed he had helped me through some of my hardest times in my I wouldn't be where iam with out the help of a great caring Man U are dearly missed
Posted by
Kara Palmer August 10, 2019
John I'm gonna miss so much talking movies with you man!! This is very sad...may you rest peacefully.
Posted by
Josue Hernandez - Lynn, MA - Friend July 08, 2019
My prayers & thoughts go out to John's family-encouraging friend-great smile-see you on the other side-may God bless you. Sharon Chosse
Posted by
Sharon Chosse - Burlington, MA - Friend July 08, 2019
John W, I'm so sorry old friend! I was so blessed to reconnect with you later in our adulthood after all these years. Nothing, but fun memories with you and your family. Me and you driving poor old Steve as a youngster crazy even though he relished in playing Star Trek, Six Million Dollar Man and getting involved in our "comical' comic book trades, etc.! Love you guys. I couldn't be more blessed growing up with you all and getting to know your wonderful family. Although I shed some tears I cherish those truly happy times at Braddock Park. I'm so proud of what you accomplished in your life (getting involved in your church, being a public servant, mental health counselor and your involvement with your church). So proud of little big brother Steve, who you wee a great role model to. Ms. Madeline and Mr. Carl did a great job with all of you. My upmost love and sympathy go out to you and your family as you enter the Lord's kingdom
Posted by
Stephen Dwyer - Agawam, MA - Friend July 07, 2019
John,May you rest in peace. Prayers & comfort to your loved ones left to mourn your passing. God loves you and so do I. I was a former member of Church of Christ with John. Peace &Love.
Posted by
Cynthia E. - Boston, MA - Friend July 06, 2019
Dearest John,
I am so grateful to have met you over 20 years ago. When I think of Boston, I think of you. The news of your passing was simply unbelievable. You were an amazing friend both near and afar, bold and strong in spirit. I loved that you could always make me smile, loved how passionate you were about life and your love for God. You will be sorely missed. Thank you for being so generous with your heart. My dearest condolences to your family.
RIPP my dear friend xxx
Posted by
Barbie Taylor-Harding - Los Angeles, CA - Friend July 06, 2019
This world won't be the same without you in it, but all of heaven is rejoicing.
Posted by
Chris Barnes - Staunton, VA - Friend July 06, 2019
John, was definitely a good man, cut from a unique special cloth.
He will be truly missed. God Bless him and his family.
Posted by
Charles White - Boston, MA - Friend July 06, 2019
We were supposed to hang out today my friend. I'm so sorry I didn't meet you last week. I can't believe you're gone but always in my heart. See you on the other side. Xoxo
Posted by
Natalie Webb - Manchester, NH - Friend July 06, 2019
Both Mia and I remember the times spent in Boston and we will miss your smile and presence. We will wait eagerly and patiently for when we get to go where you are and fellowship again forever. See you later John our brother and friend.
Posted by
Carl Peirce - Lakeville, MA - Friend July 06, 2019
My deepest condolences
Posted by
Mark Giuliano - Revere, MA - Friend July 06, 2019
My deepest condolences . John is a every lasting light for the lord . My father has many rooms; if that were not so , would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you ? John 14 : 2 . Madeline please know our prayers are with you and your family but John is not lost he only wait for you in his father home !
Posted by
Regina Alexander - Northborough, MA - Friend July 06, 2019
God Rest A good man, so sorry. R.I.P.
Posted by
Marc Gordon - Boston, MA - Family Friend July 05, 2019
Truly one of the nicest people I have ever known. RIP
Posted by
Tim Murphy - Dracut, MA - Classmate July 05, 2019
I will miss our long conversations about everything & anything. John was comfortable speaking his mind with love & respect.
Posted by
Robert Magnolia - Chicopee, MA - Friend July 05, 2019
How can the dead be truly dead when they still live in the souls of those who are left behind?
-Carson McCullers
Rest in peace Uncle John! I hope you don't mind if I take some of your books to read. I also hope that they broadcast my high school graduation in Heaven and that you will be proud of me.
Love, your niece, Alina
Posted by
Alina Willis - Bow, NH - Family July 05, 2019
My condolences to the Willis family, you're in my prayers.
Posted by
Jameelah Ware-Gavin - Weymouth, MA - Acquaintance July 05, 2019
John, born on March 31st. It was always our day when you were small. Rest in peace.
Posted by
Donia Gonzales-Copeland - Delaware Dity, DE - Neighbor July 05, 2019
My condolences to John's family. I have known John for many years since he became a member of the Church of Christ. He always had encouraging words for me every time we talked or saw each other. I will miss his kind words, his devotion to God and his wonderful smile.
Posted by
Christine Arsenault - Leominster, MA - Friend July 05, 2019
Still can't believe how time flies from being childhood friends to one of us having to be laid to rest before the other. We were just becoming words with friends buddies and I waited for you move. I guess God had a bigger move for you . I thought you would have became my Tutor for my CADAC . Watch over us John RIP
Posted by
Catrina Cooley - Boston, MA - Family July 05, 2019
I will miss you dearly, John...until we see each other in heaven. You were family to me...a true brother in every way. Love you!!!
Posted by
Tim Montgomery - Malden, MA - Brother July 05, 2019
Here's to you, John. From the Foxtrot Company guys in the Class of 1991.
Posted by
Jamie Sicard - Charleston, SC - Classmate July 05, 2019
Rest in Peace John. Thanks for being a great "Brother in Christ" to all of us. You were an inspiration to many. We will miss you! Tracelyn :-(
Posted by
Tracelyn Chastanet - Medford, MA - Friend July 05, 2019
John I will miss you-i love to so much-rest in peace-your Big Brother Dave
Posted by
dave willis - boston, MA - Family July 05, 2019
