Obituary of John A Marcangelo

John Anthony Marcangelo, a decorated Korean War Veteran and family patriarch, passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2024 at the age of 95. John was born in New York City. He was the son of Italian immigrants, Giuseppe and Michelina (Taddeo) Marcangelo. He grew up in the Bronx during the Great Depression and came from a large family. John had a difficult childhood as the family struggled with financial hardship and everyone did what was necessary to contribute. His youth was split between school and work. When his parents tried to pull him out of school at age 16, he convinced them to allow him to continue and graduated from the Samuel Gompers Vocational High School after studying automotive repair. He spent two years working for General Steel company as an assembler before he was drafted by the U.S. Army in September of 1950 and served for two years during the Korean War. He was part of the 278th Infinitary Division, 190th Combat Engineers Company at Fort Devens and Camp Drum. He was part of the 25th Infantry division, 65th Combat Engineers Company in Korea. He saw extensive action during his time on the front lines in Haean Basin, also known as “The Punchbowl,” on the 38th parallel. One of his tasks was to constantly maintain and rebuild roads that were vital to supporting front line troops. His heart ached from seeing the devastating impacts that the war had on the children of the country, and he took it upon himself to provide for a Korean orphan named “Mike” during his service. John would share his food rations with Mike, request that his own family from back home send over domestic items for Mike, and he would even hide him in a foxhole for his safety when he had to leave for awhile or when battles would stir up.

John was the recipient of the Korean Service Medal with 1 Bronze Star, Second Korean Winter Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal, and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation. He was extremely proud of his service and his country and displayed this by regularly wearing his Korean War Veteran caps. He attended all the Veteran ceremonies and events and was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Korean War Veterans Association.

After his military service he returned to work at General Steel Company in NY and later moved to Somerville, MA where he worked as an Automotive Technician for Kolligian Rambler, followed by Cambridge Imported Cars, and eventually as a service adviser for Auto Engineering in Burlington, MA. He spent over 20 years working at the Cambridge Imported Cars, a Mercedes Benz Dealership.

John retired from the automotive business after nearly 35 years of service and went on to work for the Lahey Hospital in Burlington as a shuttle bus driver for several more years. His warm and welcoming personality endeared him to the hearts of his bus passengers.

John had many personal interests and hobbies outside of his professional life. He was a longtime member of the Burlington Knights of Columbus. He was an avid gardener who enjoyed tending to his large vegetable and flower gardens. He made homemade wine and champagne and also enjoyed fishing. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, taking them on nature walks, various adventures, trips to get ice cream, and anything else that gave them joy. He enjoyed traveling whether it was to Italy, Bermuda, Bahamas, Cancun, Las Vegas, or spontaneous road trips all around New England. He was an active parishioner of St. Malachy’s Church and even sang in the choir. Family and friends will remember John for his easy-going personality, the kindness and generosity he shared with others, his witty sense of humor, shockingly precise memory, vast wisdom, and the care and love he bestowed upon his family.

John was the beloved husband of Assunta (Romano) Marcangelo for 71 years. He was the loving father of Susan Silva & her husband Daniel of Raynham and Joseph Marcangelo of Burlington. He was the grandfather of Arthur John Silva, Lisa Evangelho and her Husband Marty Evangelho, and Michael Silva. He is also survived by 4 great grandchildren. He was the brother of Margaret “Margie” Carlucci of New York, the late Anthony Marcangelo, Filomena Moran, Frances Carpentiere, Mario Marcangelo, Rose Panzarino, and Joan Ricchiari.

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington on Saturday, March 16 from 10-11:30am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at St. Malachy Church in St Veronica Parish, www.StVeronicama.org, 99 Bedford St., Burlington at Noon. Services will end with a burial with military honors at Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington.

For online guestbook and video tribute see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net