John E. Hadfield, 90, of Wilmington

Obituary Courtesy Nichols Funeral Home

WILMINGTON, MA - John E. Hadfield, age 90, and long-time resident of Wilmington, MA, died Monday, March 28, 2016 surrounded by his loving family.

John was born in Bath, England, September 21, 1925. John enlisted in the RAF (Britain’s Royal Air Force) as a teenager in support of his country following the Battle of Britain during WWII. Shortly after the war, John immigrated to the United States where he met and married Shirley Shipley of Vassalboro, Maine, in 1950. He also enlisted in the United States Army and participated in the Korean Conflict; he was trained in radar operations and, subsequently, became a Quality Control Engineer for various companies in Massachusetts such as Microwave Associates and Itek.

John was a Mason for over 50 years and a member of the Shriners organization. He and his wife, Shirley, began the Wilmington Dance Party and became the first presidents. They attended the dance party for many years. They played bridge every month with their Strout Avenue neighbors, the Simmons, Hoopers and Turners and also enjoyed many travel adventures with them.

Upon retirement, John volunteered at the Winchester Hospital and drove a van to transport burn patients from Logan Airport to the Shriners Hospital for Children in Boston. He also volunteered for 10 years at the North Shore Music Theater in Beverly, MA.

John is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Shirley Hadfield of Wilmington, MA, his four children, Penelope Roche and husband Michael of Orange, MA, Pamela McDade and husband Norman of Andover, MA, James Hadfield and wife Patricia of Glastonbury, CT, and Patricia Campbell and husband Doctor John of Enterprise, AL. John is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Jennifer and Jillian Roche; Melissa (McDade) McMahon; Elizabeth, Rebecca, Jessica, and John Hadfield; Katelin (Campbell) Haver, Kristine (Campbell) Sawyer, Patrick and Matthew Campbell. John also has two great-granddaughters, Audrey McMahon and Anna Haver.

John was always there for his friends and family and will truly be missed by all.

Family & friends will gather for Visiting Hours at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, on Monday, April 4 from 4-8 p.m. John’s Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, April 5 at 11 a.m. in the Wilmington United Methodist Church, 87 Church St., Wilmington. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington.

In lieu of flowers donations in John’s memory may be made to the Shriner’s Hospitals for Children- Boston, Attn: Development Office, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114.