John Joseph Boiardi died Sept 13, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born in Framingham on May 2, 1936, the second son of Joseph Boiardi and his wife Esther Mariani. He spent much of his early life in Framingham with his parents, cousins and extended family. John often spoke of the many good times he had as a youngster on his uncle’s farm where the Bose headquarters are today.
John graduated from Framingham High School with the class of 1954 and attended the US Military Academy at West Point. He graduated from Northeastern University where he was a member of ROTC and earned his master’s degree in business administration from Boston College in 1972.
Both his uncles served in the Navy during WW2, and though John was too young at the time, it inspired him to enter the military. He served with the US Army in Germany and in the States with the 3rd Infantry Division during the Cold War, earning the rank of Captain. He was awarded the Expert Infantry Badge and the Army Commendation Award for meritorious service.
As a civilian, he joined New England Telephone (now Verizon) and retired as District Manager in 1992. He was President of the Dorchester Kiwanis Club and counted himself fortunate to be a second-generation member of the Framingham Heart Study. John also served as a member of the Advisory Committee in Southborough, always keeping an eye to lowering expenses for the seniors in town. He was a long-time member of the Northborough Area Community Chorus.
While at work or retired, he enjoyed many years of travel throughout the world with his wife Martha. John was proud of his Italian heritage and visited his father’s village in Italy where he met new friends and relations. Both Martha and John had the experience of visiting his former Army headquarters in Schweinfurt, Germany, knocking on the door of his old apartment, and getting the “grand tour” from the new occupants!
John is survived by his loving wife and travel partner Martha Jane Rorty, his son John M and wife Vy of Singapore, and his daughter Lori A and husband Christopher. He is also survived by his sister Diana Cales of Wilbraham, his sister in law Margaret Boiardi of IL, as well as his many cousins and other family members. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother Richard who died in 2012.
Family and friends are invited to honor and remember John’s life by gathering for a time of visitation in the Norton, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home, 53 Beech St. Framingham on Thursday, September 18th from 9:30-11:15AM. His Funeral Services will begin at 11:30AM. Interment will follow in St. Tarcisius Cemetery, Framingham.
In lieu of flowers the family would be grateful for donations to the Framingham Heart Study, 73 Mt. Wayte Ave, Framingham Ma 01701 or to the Southborough Senior Center, 9 Cordaville Rd., Southborough 01772.
(Photo and Obituary via Norton, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home)
