OBITUARY

Deacon John F. Needham

Posted

RUMFORD — Deacon John F. Needham, retired deacon at St. Margaret Church, Rumford, died on Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021, at his home in Rumford.
The son of the late Joseph and Laura (Martin) Needham, Deacon Needham was born in Providence, on January 12, 1941. He was married to the late Marilyn (Gilmore) Needham at St. Pius Church in Providence on July 6, 1968.
He is survived by three sons, Jeremy and his wife Dina of Cranston; Timothy and his wife Courtenay of Cumberland; and Christopher and his wife Kerry of Attleboro, Mass. He leaves behind seven beloved grandchildren: Dylan, Madison, Mallory, Mackenzie, Alyssa, Kacey and Caroline.
Educated at St. Michael School, La Salle Academy, Our Lady of Providence Seminary and Providence College, Deacon Needham was head of the Social Studies department at Cumberland High School, teaching history there for over 40 years.
He was ordained to the diaconate by Bishop Louis E. Gelineau on October 10, 1998, serving as deacon at St. Margaret Church since that time. He served briefly in the U.S. National Guard and was a member of the St. Michael Council, Knights of Columbus.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, Oct. 19, at St. Margaret Church with burial at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Providence.
In his memory, donations to St. Margaret Church, 1098 Pawtucket Avenue, Rumford, R.I., 02914, would be gratefully appreciated.