Obituary of Ioannis Emmanuel

Ioannis “John” Emmanuel, a retired manager at Gillette passed away after a long illness at the Lahey Hospital in Burlington on Friday afternoon, December 13, 2013. He was 74 years old. John was born in Greece, the son of the late Vassilios and Andromache Emmanuel. His family immigrated to the United States when John was 13 years old. His family settled in Brookline and John quickly learned English and assimilated into the American way of life. He was a graduate of Brookline High School where he played Center on the Football Team. He then went on to graduate from Northeastern University. John spent 39 years working for The Gillette Company in North Andover. John’s life revolved around his family, friends, and his home. He was a devoted husband of 45 years to his wife Donna. They raised their daughters and traveled the world together. He loved his daughters and his son-in-laws. His grandchildren were the greatest gifts for John. He adored them and cherished the time shared with Nolan, Jane, and Marissa. His home was his castle and he was a little bit of a perfectionist when it came to the care of his lawn, yard, and pool. He loved family gatherings or just hanging out by the pool on warm summer days. The expression, “Once a friend, always a friend”, is the way John lived his life. He and his High School friends faithfully remained together throughout the years making a point to get together once a month. John’s remained close with his co-workers and they also met on a regular basis. He was also a member of the Arlington Men’s Club. John was an avid skier. He owned a condominium in Lincoln New Hampshire where Loon Mountain was his favorite ski resort. John volunteered his time and services at a number of charities including Toys for Tots and a Gillette charity which shipped medical equipment to Third World countries. John had been a resident of Burlington for the past 45 years. He will be remembered for his devotion to his family, friendship to others, and his warm and giving heart. John was the devoted husband of Donna (Drummond) Emmanuel of Burlington. He was the loving father of Cassandra Mazur & her husband Jack of Natick and Christa Martin & her husband Michael of Burlington. He was the brother of Costas Emmanuel & his wife Marion of Boulder, CO. He was the proud grandfather of Nolan and Jane Martin and Marissa Mazur. John is also survived by many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends. A funeral service will be held at the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, Woburn, on Tuesday, December 17 at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge. A Mercy meal will be offered at the church hall at 12:45 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. In lieu of flowers, memorials in John’s name may be made to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, 70 Montvale Ave, Woburn, MA 01801 or a charity of one’s own choice. Arrangements by the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, BURLINGTON.