John P. Ledgard

ATHOL - It is with the saddest regret that our family announces the passing of John P. Ledgard, Jr, affectionately known as JJ. Born June 11, 1972 at Athol Memorial Hospital, son of John P. Ledgard and Susan C. (Amidon) Ledgard. JJ was a spitfire dynamo from a very young age with curiosity and a fearlessness like no other. JJ beat to a drum that made hearts smile with his smile, his giggles and full out infectious laughter. He was always loving, caring and inquisitive, at times a bit devilish. JJ had a love for dirt bike riding, archery and just tearing things apart to put them back together. An entrepreneur at heart from starting his lawn business as a young teenager to selling our Dad’s tools from the garage (Dad didn’t really know how to use them anyway) to running the family restaurant. JJ never asked for much other than just enough to take care of his family and to stay happy. Magic happened 16 years ago when Mathew Nicholas became JJ’s son. JJ wanted to be a father more than anything. He and Matthew shared a love for trucks, and the New England sports teams, in particular The Red Sox. Learning less than a year ago that JJ had ALS never put him down, he never felt bad for himself and only worried what he could do to help find a cure. So much sadness and pain for those who surrounded JJ saw that he fought a fight that he would never win, he still had that sparkle in his eyes to the very end. JJ leaves behind his son, Mathew, his beloved Maine Coon Cat, Tess, his sister Tracy Kenniff, nephew and partner in crime, Michael Kenniff, his nieces, Madelynn and Samantha Kenniff, his sister Liisa and husband John MacLeod and nieces MacKenzie and Emma MacLeod. Many Aunts and Uncles and Cousins. For a man who wasn’t about the pomp and circumstance, we will Celebrate the life of JJ with a cemetery burial on Friday, May 27th at 1:00 pm Gethsemane Cemetery, Brookside Road, Athol followed by a reception at The Orange Gun Club 357 West River Street, Orange, MA. We ask that you truly celebrate JJ and wear you jeans and favorite New England sports team shirt should you join in raising your glass for a truly amazing man. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations in JJ's name to the ALS Association Massachusetts Chapter, 685 Canton St. #103, Norwood, MA 02062. To send an online condolence please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com. Fiske-Murphy & Mack Funeral Home 110 New Athol Road, Orange is assisting with arrangements.