Obituary of John Joseph Lyver

John “Jack” Lyver, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 9, 2023.  He was 93 years old.  Jack was born along with his twin sister, Mary, in Somerville.  He enjoyed identifying as a twin to his older sister. Jack had an incredible bond with his twin sister Mary, who eventually became a nun and took the religious name, Sister Julie Celia, SND. He regularly visited his sister at her convent, always baking brownies for her and her fellow sisters.  The nuns affectionately dubbed him the Brownie man and were praying for him during his final days. 

Jack grew up in the Lincoln Park section of Somerville.  He was a graduate of Somerville High School.  He was employed for many years in the chemical industry working as a lab technician and in quality control.   He was active in the Boy Scouts of America and volunteered as a Scout Leader with the Dioceses of Boston for many years.  Jack had no children of his own so mentoring youth gave his life purpose and meaning.  He carried with him a coin given to him by the Boy Scouts honoring his many years of service. 

Jack was the beloved husband of the late Marie (Martin) Lyver. Jack loved his time spent with Marie, traveling throughout New England, including trips to Cape Cod and the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Jack was especially fond of his travels to Newfoundland, Canada, where he spent time visiting relatives.

Jack had twenty-eight nieces and nephews and many, many great and great grand nieces and nephews.  Jack and Marie were the special aunt and uncle who were so happy to be invited to all their family events, holidays, and celebrations. Later in life jack enjoyed sharing in the successes of his many nieces and nephews, and their families. He was proud of them all and was so thankful to be part of their lives.  Jack lived a wonderful life that was filled with purpose and family. 

Jack was predeceased by his wife, Marie (Martin), his twin Sister Julie Cecelia SND (Mary Lyver), and his brothers, Francis and William Lyver. Visiting hours are on Friday, May 12, from 10:30 to 11:30am at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington, MA. Funeral services to follow at noon at St. Margaret’s Church in St. Veronica Parish www.stveronicama.org, 111 Winn Street, Burlington. Burial to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Sister of Notre Dame de Namur, www.sndden.org, 30 Jeffrey’s Neck Rd, Ipswich, MA 01938.

For obituary, online guestbook, and service information, visit www.sullivanfuneralhome.net.