Published in the November 27, 2019 edition.
JUPITER, Fla., — John V. Giarratana, Jr., 75, passed away November 18, 2019 in Jupiter Fla., where he lived with Pamela Hibbard Giarratana, love of his life and wife of 55 years. He will be greatly missed by Pamela, their beloved children Deborah Giarratana and Jack Giarratana and daughter-in-law, Rhonda Giarratana; cherished grandsons Max Freitag, Jake Giarratana and Luke Giarratana; adored sister Donna Gervais and brother-in-law Robert Gervais; and close cousins Arthur and Linda Giarratana.
Born in Malden, Mass. to Geraldine Mahoney Giarratana and John Victor Giarratana, Sr., John grew up in Wakefield, Mass.
John played baseball, football and earned the Scholar Athlete award before graduating from Wakefield High School in 1962. He earned a scholarship to Amherst College, and graduated with the class of ‘66. His time at Amherst was an influence in his quest for lifelong learning. Recently, he served as a class agent.
He was proud of his successful employee benefits career starting at Travelers Insurance, which took him from Connecticut, to Philadelphia, to Pittsburgh and back to Boston. He found great satisfaction in creating his own benefits brokerage in Boston in 1995, and keeping the business thriving through his retirement.
John enjoyed listening to, and playing, music. He was an accomplished musician, playing accordion, guitar, and piano — and even composing his own music. He enjoyed playing piano and singing in local bands, earning himself the nickname “Piano Man.” He also had a passion for continuing to better himself both at playing piano and at playing golf. He delighted in golfing with his close friends at Georgetown Country Club in Mass., and Abacoa Golf Club in Fla.
He had a joy for traveling, and vacation time with family in Maine, Florida and a celebratory trip to Italy. John loved living, loving and laughing with his family and friends.
