John Roman Gorniewicz went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 19th surrounded by his family. The son of John R. and Mary C. (Sobodacha) Gorniewicz, John was born on May 6, 1942 in Lynn, MA. When his father unexpectedly passed in 1951, John moved to Rhode Island with his mother and sister, Maryann. While there, he experienced the support of extended family who helped raise him into the man he became.

John proudly served as an altar boy at St. Joseph’s Polish Catholic Church School before attending St. Raphael's Academy in Pawtucket, RI. He graduated from Central Falls High School in 1959 after being voted “best looking” by his fellow senior class.

At 17 years old, John enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves and served faithfully for eight years. He attained the rank of Lance Corporal and earned the highly skilled sharpshooting badge. While attending basic training in Paris Island, John and Janet wrote letters and continued their courtship that began the year prior. Then on August 15, 1961, John eloped to North Carolina with his sweetheart Janet at the age of 19. The couple welcomed their firstborn, John David, over a year later. Their daughter Jacqueline was born 18 months afterward. And James Roman followed another 18 months later, blessing the parents with three children who were three years old and under!

During this busy time, John demonstrated a strong work ethic. He held three jobs that supported his young and growing family. He was employed as a foreman at National Chain in RI, drilled in the Marine Corps, and offered yard work services to other homes near his own on Nottingham Drive in Lincoln. He coached the town’s little league team, proudly insisting that his daughter Jacqueline be allowed on the team.

At age 35, John was diagnosed with a large, life-threatening, “inoperable” brain tumor in the center of his brain. Despite the risks, he underwent surgery in Boston which successfully removed the tumor. This experience changed John’s life forever. Through it, he came to understand the power of prayer and became a born-again Christian, knowing his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on a personal level.

In 1983, John moved his family to South Attleboro and grew his small business into John’s Landscaping. During this time, he and Janet opened their home to children in foster care. Shortly after doing so, John and Janet added Bridget to their family.

Although John officially retired from his landscaping business decades ago, he continued to find joy in working with friends and helping out with their businesses throughout the years. Always willing to lend help, he offered jobs to many hard-working men that found themselves otherwise down on their luck. He offered a chance at an honest day’s work, patience while teaching the skills necessary to perform the job, and loyalty for a job well done. Many of John’s employees went on to enter the ministry and became pastors after working for him. John touched the lives of many through his generosity of spirit, his charismatic nature and genuine interest in the lives and experiences with other.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Janet Lee (Thomson), 4 children, John David, Jacqueline (Mark Griffith), James Roman (Susan Dow), Bridget Lee (Jeremy Beggs), 7 grandchildren (Michaela Cahill, Jessica Cahoy, Mark Griffith Jr., Chelsea Gorniewicz, Jacqueline Jenner, Victoria Beggs, Alexander Beggs), 5 great-grandchildren and 1 on the way. He is also survived by his sister Maryann Gorniewicz of Lincoln, RI. He is predeceased by his granddaughter Brianna Lynn Gorniewicz.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11am on Saturday, December 16th at Crossroads International Church 1052 Newport Avenue in South Attleboro, MA 02703. Calling hour will be from 10-11am prior to the service. A reception will be held in the gathering room immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made for the handicapped ramp for the gathering place at Crossroads International Church.