John Woodacre

John Woodacre of Wellesley and Mattapoisett passed away on April 20, 2013. Born in New Bedford to John and Doris (Spooner) Woodacre, formerly of Mattapoisett. He was the grandson of Rufus Woodacre a New Bedford whaler and a direct descendent of Mayflower Pilgrim William White and the Delanos of Fairhaven. Growing up in Newton and Nantucket, he studied classical piano at the Newton School of Music.

He enlisted in the Marines serving in Guadalcanal, the Philippines, Green Islands, Samoas, New Zealand and liberated prisoners of war from Japan. Trained as a marine air gunner, Pappy Boyington flew cover for his squadron. While in the Pacific, he survived a plane crash and was reported missing in action three times. Always Semper Fi. He attended Northeastern University on the GI Bill, majoring in physics and engineering. In 1966, he founded John E. Woodacre Oil in Wellesley.

Post war, he had a brief marriage to the late Barbara Woodruff and had a son, John Morgan. Thereafter, he married the late Betsy Breed. They adopted and raised two children, in Wellesley and West Dennis enjoying boating through Cape Cod.

After Betsy, a Dean College professor died, John married Attorney Lorri Seibert in 1994. Jack had Yankee ingenuity, keen intelligence, and was an avid bridge player, boater, and loyal Rotarian. Many will miss his handsome strong carriage, shiny white hair and striking blue eyes. He served on the Board of Directors of the Maugus Club, was a town meeting member, warden and member of the Wellesley Club and the RJD House of New Bedford and the Wellesley Community Center. He is survived by his wife, five children, and nine grandchildren. He loved them unconditionally until the day he died, watching the Red Sox and Neil Diamond sing, “Sweet Caroline.”

Arrangements through Doherty Funeral Home, Wellesley. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to The John and Betsy Woodacre Scholarship, Dean College, 99 Main Street, Franklin, MA 02030.

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