World War II veteran, owner of local business
Published in the August 20, 2015 edition
SOUTH YARMOUTH — John P. Weldon, 98, World War II veteran, died peacefully in his sleep July 25, 2015 in South Yarmouth. He had been a longtime resident of Reading.
Mr. Weldon was born Feb. 12, 1917 in Boston to John and May (Wood) Weldon. A graduate of Milton High School in 1935, Mr. Weldon continued his education for two years at the Huntington School in Boston. In 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a chaplain’s assistant in Normandy, France and central Europe. He was honorably discharged in 1945.
With his winning smile, good sense of humor and friendly spirit, Mr. Weldon entered the sales force for Boston Filter Co. and earned several outstanding awards for salesmanship. After leaving Boston Filter, he opened his own business, Boston Water Cooler Co. in 1972. He was also a partner and president of New England Spring Water Co., in North Reading. As well, he was co-owner of Monadnock Spring Water in Wilton, N.H.
A longtime member of the Massachusetts Freemasons, Mr. Weldon was a the 32nd degree Scottish Rite mason, a 66-year member of the Converse Lodge (Fourth Masonic District) in Malden. Mr. Weldon also held a lifetime membership at the West Dennis Yacht Club.
In his leisure time, Mr. Weldon was an avid skier and golfer. He and his late wife, Muriel, enjoyed travel during their 61-years of marriage. They experienced wonderful trips to the Swiss Alps, France, Spain, Egypt, China, Russia and the Panama Canal. Their final family trip was a cruise to Alaska in 2008.
Mr. Weldon is pre–deceased by his loving wife, Muriel E. (Horne) Weldon and his sister, Ruth Weldon Foster Higley of Weston.
He is survived by three children, John P. Weldon III and his wife, Marisa Moore-Weldon of North Reading, Joyce D. Weldon of South Yarmouth and Janet W. Egan and her husband Thomas Egan of South Dennis. Additionally, he leaves five grandchildren, Weston W.M.W. Weldon, Evan M.G. Weldon, April J. Feeney, Elizabeth R. Egan and William R. Egan and many friends and relatives.
A memorial service will be at noon, Sunday., Aug. 23 at the West Dennis Yacht Club, 259 Loring Ave. A reception to celebrate Mr. Weldon’s life and to visit with family and friends will follow until 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the West Dennis Yacht Club to purchase a memorial bench in the names of John and Muriel Weldon. For online condolences, please visit www.doanebealames.com.
