SALEM – John Anthony McQuaid, 62, of Salem, Mass., died unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. John was born in Berlin, New Hampshire on June 26, 1961 to John and Gloria (DiGirolamo) McQuaid.
John was raised in North Reading where he attended public schools through the eighth grade and then enrolled at Austin Preparatory School in Reading. John graduated from Austin in 1979 and went on to earn a business degree from Merrimack College. He appreciated every business experience in his professional career. John had a passion for real estate and was always very proud of his hometown, North Reading.
He founded and operated Private Properties Realty, a successful independent firm in North Reading, for many years. In turn, several Private Properties realtors went on to start their own highly successful independent real estate companies. John subsequently worked for several North Shore companies before retiring in 2022.
John was happiest spending time with family, including his extended DiGirolamo and McQuaid relatives. He loved engaging in spirited discussions about politics, business and current events. John especially enjoyed his time at Long Beach in Gloucester and Rockport, and family vacations in Newport, Rhode Island throughout the years. John always met people with a smile on his face, a friendly greeting and a sense of humor. He will be lovingly remembered for all those things. Despite recent health challenges, John remained optimistic and persevered in the face of adversity.
John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Gloria (DiGirolamo) McQuaid. He is survived by his beloved godmother Diane DiGirolamo of Salem, N.H.; his siblings, Geralyn Farrelly (Kevin) of North Reading; Lawrence McQuaid (Kathryn) of Windham, N.H.; Michael McQuaid (Tara) of Newburyport; Jacqueline Orlando (David) of Windham, N.H.; and Mathew McQuaid of North Reading. John was the proud uncle of several nieces and nephews including his goddaughter Stephanie McQuaid of South Boston, Lawrence J. McQuaid and his fiancé Kelsey Lessard of Newburyport, Michael Farrelly and his fiancé Kellsie Mitchell of Dallas, Texas, Kevin Farrelly of North Reading, Ty and Chloe Orlando of Windham, N.H., and Rudy McQuaid of Newburyport.
Friends and family paid their respects during visiting hours held at the Cota Funeral Home, 335 Park St., North Reading, on Monday, February 26 from 9 to 11 a.m. Immediately following the visitation, a funeral service for John was celebrated at the funeral home.
Interment followed at Riverside Cemetery, 171 Elm Street, North Reading.
