John Michael Fruit

TEMPLETON- John Michael Fruit, age 66, passed away at his home in Templeton, MA on Wednesday, December 28, 2016. John was born November 23, 1950 in Henderson, Kentucky, the son of Edward and Elizabeth (Hager) Fruit. The family moved to Gardner, MA when he was 5 years old. John was one of six children and graduated from Gardner High. He married in 1975 and had three children. He worked at Lilly Industrial Coatings for 24 years, and most recently at H&R 1871, LLC. He was a lifelong devoted member of the Elks Lodge #1426 in Gardner, where he was currently serving as Lodge Secretary, as well as having been their Past Exalted Ruler. He enjoyed spending time there with his many good friends. To know John was to have many wonderful and fun stories about times shared with him. John had a great love of music. He played guitar and was a singer, performing in many local bands throughout his life. He shared his passion for music with his family, his friends, and all who knew him. John was a New England sports fan, and enjoyed playing softball with his son Matt, as co-captains of the Elks II team. He loved fishing with his son Andy and cherished those memories. He was very proud to watch his daughter Sarah follow suit with her love of music. John is survived by his wife of 41 years, Paula Ann (Teittinen), his eldest son Matthew Fruit and companion Jessica Filleul, and grandson Patrick from Templeton, as well as his daughter Sarah Clark and husband Keith from Pepperell, MA. He is also survived by his brother Ronald Fruit of Fitchburg MA, and his sisters Marilyn June Sbrega of Gardner MA, Linda Sargent of Westfield MA, Janet Corcoran of Lancaster MA, and Theresa Green of Berwick, ME, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws. John was predeceased by his youngest son Andrew in January 2016. The family asks all to join at Lamoureaux-Fletcher Funeral Home, 105 Central St, Gardner, MA, Friday January 6, 2017 for calling hours from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM with a service held promptly at 12:00 PM. There will be a celebration of his life at the Gardner Elks Lodge immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the John Fruit Memorial Music Scholarship fund. Please make checks payable to the Elks #1426, 31 Park St., Gardner MA 01440.