John W. Reese

Lifelong Pepperell resident John W. Reese Sr., age 75, died peacefully on January 9, 2015 in the comfort of his home surrounded by his family. John was born in Pepperell MA on October 20, 1939 to his late parents Eugene Hall Reese and Elizabeth Tucker Maxwell Reese residing on Heald St.

Being one of four children raised on a small farm, he learned quickly at a young age the value of a hard day's work. Little did his parents know in those early years that this would turn out to be one the most respectable characteristics of his adult life. As a young man armed with the knowledge of automotive repair, he owned and operated Johnny's Sure Station on Main St in Pepperell. He spent his days fixing cars for the locals and selling leaded gasoline for 26 cents a gallon.

Over the years he continued to work hard to learn additional skills and gain work ethic needed to move onto his eventual goal. So with his newly acquired skill of heavy truck repair and the recently learned art of welding, he moved anxiously to his next endeavor. In 1984 he purchased a building unit in Lomar Park in Pepperell and opened Reese Enterprises. John worked tirelessly seven days a week to become a successful, self-employed businessman in the town that he grew up in, raised his children in and loved with all his heart. He maintained this work ethic for over 31 years in the same business location. Although it seemed a difficult schedule for most people to maintain, John genuinely enjoyed his time at his shop. He was best known in town for his many vanity plates, a love for the Boston Red Sox and a bright smile.

Only those close to him would ever see him in anything but his blue uniform, a baseball hat and cowboy boots. And on any given day he would make you laugh with one of his jokes while he was out on his afternoon coffee break. It is an understatement to say that John will be missed tremendously by his family, loved ones and his many friends.

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."

A special thank you to the staff at Nashoba Nursing Services & Hospice (Mike) for all of your help. And also to his closest loved ones for the gift.

Relatives and friends may call at the MARCHAND FUNERAL HOME, 16 Pleasant Street, Pepperell on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 5 to 8 p.m. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, January 15th at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial in Pepperell Cemetery Association. In lieu of flowers please make any size donation in memory of John to Big Fluffy Dog Rescue. Donations can be made online at: www.bigfluffydogs.com/pay-online.php.