John J. Marion

ATHOL – John J. Marion died in McKeesport Hospital on November 28, 2016 of advanced esophageal cancer. He was born in Salem on December 11, 1960. He grew up and attended schools in Athol. He left home at age 17 and due to being afflicted with schizophrenia he was a wonderer. He loved the outdoors and loved hiking from Tully Mountains to the slopes of Mt. St. Helens. He often went to the mountains for inspiration. John leaves three sisters; Phyllis Brackett and her husband Larry, Diane Johnson and her husband Billy both of Pensacola, FL and Amy Marion of Athol. He leaves his step-mom, Sara-Ruth Marion of Athol, godmother, Diana Driscol of Norwood and girlfriend, Josephine Smith of Puyallup, WA; he also leaves three uncles, five aunts and many nieces nephews and great nieces and nephews, and 23 cousins. He is predeceased by his parents, Arthur J. Marion and Thursa (Adolf) Marion and two cats, Juan Jose and Pumpkin. In lieu of flowers the family suggest donations be made to either the American Cancer Society, a church, shelter or food pantry of your choice since the famiy owes a huge debt of gratitude to all of those who over the years took John in and gave him love. A funeral Mass will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, December 10th at Our Lady Immaculate Church. Fr. Richard Jakubauskas will officiate. Burial will follow in Silver Lake Cemetery. A calling hour will be held Saturday, December 10th from 9:30 to 10:30am at the funeral home. Higgins-O’Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main St., Athol, is directing arrangments. To send an online condolence please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com.