Elks Member, Gardener, Lifelong Woburn Resident Dies at 98

Mr. John F. Baudanza, age 98, died on November 12, 2013 at home, surrounded by his loving family, after a brief illness. Born in Woburn, John was the devoted son of the late Carmela (Lunaria) & Frank Baudanza.

John was a lifelong Woburn resident. He worked at the John J. Riley Leather Co. of Woburn for many years, retiring in 1975. He worked as a barber in his early years, but most of all he loved to work with his hands in his garden, he was a farmer at heart. Every season he planted a large vegetable garden and grew everything, including tomatoes, zucchini and cucumbers.

If you needed something fixed, John was the person to see, he could fix anything. He enjoyed going to flea markets to find things to tinker with. Weekends were spent with his family at the beach or on picnics, and loved to fish; his favorite spot was down at Salem Willows.

Jon belonged to the Woburn Elks and was a life member. When John was younger, he ran for alderman a few times. Everyday, John went to the Woburn senior center and up until the age of 96, he was a volunteer driver.

John was the beloved husband of the late Doris M. (Chuisa) Baudanza. Devoted father of Barbara A. Boehler of Milton and the late John J. Baudanza. Loving grandfather of Barbara-Ann McDonough and her husband James of Beverly, Richard J. Boehler and his wife Laura of Milton and Christine M. Boehler of Quincy. Loving great grandfather of John A. and Nicholas F. Boehler. Brother of the late Josephine Fiore, Salvatore, Joseph, Anthony, James, and Mary Baudanza. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Funeral from the McLaughlin-Dello Russo Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St. Woburn, Tuesday, November 19th at 9 AM. Followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Charles of Borromeo Church, 280 Main St. Woburn at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Monday 4 thru 8. Services will conclude with burial at Calvary Cemetery, Woburn.

It has been requested that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made in John’s name to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 859168, Boston, MA 02284-9168.