John C. Andries, 82, of Southborough, MA (formerly of East Greenwich, RI), passed peacefully to eternal rest on November 5, 2026, from complications of Parkinson’s Disease.
John’s life was a story of resilience, hard work, and unwavering devotion to those he loved. Growing up with little in Fort Worth, Texas, but firmly rooted in his faith, John thrived in Catholic schools. He graduated as salutatorian from Lanerie, a Jesuit all-boys high school in 1962. After graduating, John packed a single suitcase and took his first plane flight to a place he had never been, Milwaukee, WI, to attend Marquette University. Those years proved formative. At Marquette, John was immersed in the Jesuit Catholic Intellectual Tradition, discovered his passion for chemistry, and learned firsthand about the long, cold winters on the Great Lakes.
In 1966, John graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and headed east to another Great Lakes city, Cleveland, OH, to pursue graduate studies at Case Western Reserve University. It was there that John discovered his two greatest loves –Mary Ann and polymer chemistry. John and Mary Ann married in 1969, and John earned in Ph.D. in 1970.
John began his career at B.F. Goodrich in Brecksville, Ohio, serving as manager of tire materials research. During this time, he earned an Executive MBA from Case Western Reserve’s Weatherhead School of Management.
In 1984, John relocated with his family to East Greenwich, Rhode Island, where he devoted 30 years to Teknor Apex Company in Pawtucket. He served in his final position as Chief Technology Officer and Senior Vice President. While his professional accomplishments were many, the memories he cherished most were the people he hired and mentored.
John’s devotion to his family never wavered. He was always home for dinner at 6:30 pm and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on his children at their sporting events. He held a special place in his heart for the Wake Forest field hockey team his daughter played on, enthusiastically shouting “Go Deacs!” with relentless optimism even when victory seemed all but impossible. Through his example, John taught his children one of life’s most important lessons: hard work matters, win or lose, you always show back up.
During their 57-year marriage, John and Mary Ann built a life rich in love, commitment, and faith. They made many lifelong friends in Sagamore Hills, OH, and East Greenwich, RI. They traveled the world together, always enjoying the journey, but looking forward to returning home to their grandsons. John embraced grandparenting with boundless enthusiasm and a whole lot of fun. Whether building Legos or throwing footballs, Grandpa was always ready to play. He told the very best make-believe bedtime stories always making room for the boys to add their own imaginative twists. Before long, John earned the title of “CEO of Grandparenting.” He took his grandsons on endless adventures – from playgrounds and arcades to movies, parades, car shows, and Patriots games. And, of course, the boys always knew that no matter the outing, Grandpa could be persuaded to stop for ice cream.
In 2013, John and Mary Ann settled into the home next door to the grandsons in Southborough, MA. John became an active and valued member of St. Anne Parish community. He served on the financial committee and as a catechist in the confirmation program. He enjoyed fellowship as a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Dull Men’s group in Southborough.
As a lifelong academic, John found great joy attending WISE (Worcester Institute for Senior Education) courses at Assumption University where his daughter, Lisa, teaches. He would swing by her office to see how things were going and cheer on the football and field hockey teams with his “Go Hounds” spirit.
Throughout his life, John remained true to the values that shaped him: hard work, intellectual curiosity, faith, and a deep love for his family and community. His legacy lives on in the people he encouraged, the traditions he created, and the stories he told.
In addition to his wife, Mary Ann (Stein), John leaves behind his children, Chris and his wife Irene, Lisa D’Souza and her husband Tim, and his two cherished grandsons, Ryan and Luke D’Souza. In his home state of Texas, he leaves his siblings Susan Thompson, Mike (Gudrun), and Tom. John is predeceased by his greatest supporter, his loving mother, Anita (Davis) Andries.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, November 13th, from 4 to 6 pm at the St. Anne’s Parish Hall, 20 Boston Rd., Southborough, MA. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, November 14th at 11 am at St. Anne’s Church, 20 Boston Rd., Southborough, MA. Burial will be private.
If you are unable to join us, we invite you to watch John’s funeral Mass via livestream at: https://stannesouthborough.org/live-stream
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in John’s memory to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. https://give.michaeljfox.org/
Rice Funeral Home, 300 Park Ave, Worcester, MA is assisting the family with arrangements.
(Photo and Obituary via Rice Funeral Home)
