John Francis McAvoy, Sr.

December 20, 1928 - August 6, 2019

John Francis McAvoy, Sr. of Hampton, New Hampshire, and formerly of Lawrence, Massachusetts, died peacefully on August 6, 2019, having lived a full and happy life. John was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, the son of Wilfred and Mary (Cantillon) McAvoy. He attended St. Patrick’s Grammar School and Central Catholic High School, both in Lawrence, and the University of Massachusetts at Lowell. He proudly served in the Massachusetts Army National Guard as a Sargeant First Class. He was employed at the Lawrence Eagle Tribune, the Haverhill Gazette, and, later in life, Raytheon Company. Throughout his career, he was highly respected and known for his strong work ethic and kind and gracious manner. In 1951, John married the love of his life Mary (Marie) Agnes Champi. For 66 years, the couple lived in happiness, serving, loving, and respecting one another in the Christian tradition. He and his wife adored their three children and four grandchildren. His life’s focus was family. John was an active member in his church community, including Saint Mary’s and Saint Patrick’s Parishes in Lawrence. He and his wife were known for their generosity and selfless service to the needy and to those less fortunate. John was passionate about history, possessed a deep appreciation for music, and enjoyed teaching his grandchildren about gardening. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, John is predeceased by his loving wife Mary, and survived by his children, son John McAvoy, Jr. and Kelly Davidson, daughter Carole Ann Dello Russo, and son William McAvoy and his wife Heather; grandchildren John McAvoy, III and Odile Hobeika, and Olivia McAvoy, and their mother Mary McAvoy, and Lauren Dello Russo and her husband Liam Casey, and Cara Dello Russo and Alyssa Clark, and their father George Dello Russo, a very supportive son-in-law. He also leaves behind his two sisters, Geraldine and Constance, whom he loved dearly; a brother-in-law Carter and a sister-in-law Carole; several cousins, nieces, and nephews; and many dear friends. He was predeceased by his parents and his adopted sister, Helen. The family wishes to thank all of those who cared for, loved, and befriended him over his life. Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours on Thursday, August 8th, 2019 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the John Breen Memorial Funeral Home, 122 Amesbury Street, Lawrence, Massachusetts. His Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, August 9, 2019 at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church, 289 Lafayette Road, Hampton, NH. On the day of the funeral, the family requests that relatives and friends meet directly at the church. There will be a graveside service at the High Street Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent in his name to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, 1615 L St., NW #430, Washington, D.C., 20036 or at https://www.curemeso.org/. To send an online condolence or for more information, please go to www.breenfuneralhome.com.