John F. McBride

Well, it's your old pal John McBride here, checking out a bit earlier than I'd intended. You might have heard the rumors, but let me confirm them - I've taken a permanent vacation as of April 3rd, 2026. Now, before you start getting all misty-eyed and gloomy, remember, I was a charismatic, funny, loving, and supportive guy. I wouldn't want you to break character on my account.

I sprang to life in Gardner, MA, on May 7th, 1937, courtesy of my dear old parents, William and Alice McBride (poor Alice has been waiting to give me a piece of her mind since she left us, and now she'll get her chance). I spent a lifetime collecting things - memories, laughs, and a few too many objects, if you ask my beautiful wife, Jeannette. We tied the knot on the spookiest day of the year, Halloween, back in 2005 - quite fitting for a couple of characters like us.

I spent my working years as the proud owner-operator of the Tool & Dye Company. I retired in 2005, handing over the reins of the business to no one, because let's face it, who else could handle it.

I spent my retirement years happily in Athol, Massachusetts, causing all kinds of trouble and making my family laugh. Speaking of family, I'm leaving behind my dear wife Jeannette, my stepson Scott, my amazing daughter-in-law, Debbie, and my awesome grandson and namesake John. Also, my stepson Todd and his wife Kerry and their kids Jurdgen and Emelia. I can’t forget my son Billy, my daughter Debra, and several grandchildren. As Mark Twain once said, "The report of my death was an exaggeration" - and with them in my corner, my spirit will surely live on.

John was predeceased by his wife Bernie, his son John and his sister Sharon. 

In the words of another great humorist, George Bernard Shaw, "Life does not cease to be funny when people die any more than it ceases to be serious when people laugh." So, please, share your laughs and your memories of me. It's been a blast, folks!

Calling hours will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026, from 10 am to 12 pm in the Mack Family Funeral Home, Athol-Orange Chapel, 110 New Athol Road, Orange. A funeral service will be held at 12 pm in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Silver Lake Cemetery, Athol.

Mack Family Funeral Homes, Athol-Orange Chapel, 110 New Athol Road, Orange, MA.