John Walter Packer, Jr.

John Walter Packer, Jr. age 87, lifelong Newbury resident passed away peacefully Sunday morning June 3rd with his loving wife Janet by his side, John was a devoted husband of 65 years. Born in Newburyport, 25 December 1930 son of the late John W. and Ruth Packer.

John graduated from Newburyport High School in 1949, his class was known as the 49er’s. He was a member of the Varsity football team. He served in the Army National Guard from 1949 to 1958 with a honorable discharge. Brownie Taylor and John founded Olde Town Builders in 1960, together their craftsmanship created some of the finest homes on the North Shore. John’s specialty was masonry, many of the bricks that you see today in downtown Newburyport were at one point in time handled by either John Packer or Brownie Taylor.

John’s chimney’s are forever monuments that he has left behind.

John leaves behind, his wife Janet, sister Pat Fish, two sons and their wives, Doug and Gail Packer, Dana and Dorene Packer, all living in Newbury, four grandchildren, Michael Packer of Newbury, Desiree Edwards and husband Kevin, of Georgetown, Talon Packer and wife Meaghan of Groveland and John Luke Packer of Newbury. five great grandchildren, Ryen, Finley, and Gennes Packer of Newbury, Harley and Paxton Edwards of Georgetown; extended family members and many dear friends. He was predeceased by his two brothers, Bailey Packer of Newburyport and Russel Packer of Geneseo, NY. John will be fondly remembered and dearly missed.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Tuesday, June 12th at 10:30 am at the Belleville Congregational Chapel, 300 High Street Newburyport MA 01950. Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to Council on Aging, 63 Hanover St, Newbury MA 01951 or the Northshore Habitat for Humanity, 215 Maple Street, Lynn MA 01904

Arrangements are by Twomey-LeBlanc & Conte Funeral Home, 193 High St, Newburyport MA 01950.  

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