John Francis Lyons, Jr

Bristol, RI - John Francis Lyons, Jr., 84, of Bristol, RI, died Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at Charlton Memorial Hospital, Fall River, MA. He was the husband of Virginia Ann Dermody Lyons. Born in Pawtucket, RI on June 19, 1926, he was the 8th of 10 children born to the late John F. Lyons, Sr. and Mildred Hodde Lyons.Mr. Lyons was educated at Pawtucket West Senior High School. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1943. He served honorably and proudly in the Pacific theater until the end of World War II. He was attached to the Pacific and Third Fleets, stationed at Pearl Harbor. He rose to the rank of Chief Petty Officer. His principal service was as a coxswain on landing craft during the campaigns in the Solomon and Philippine Islands. For a time he was also a courier for Admiral William Halsey. After the war he enjoyed a long and prosperous career as a paper merchant, beginning with the J.C. Campbell Paper Company of Pawtucket, RI in 1945; he went on to be the founder and president of Lyons and Morrison Paper Company of Warwick, RI and Franklin, MA, retiring in 1993. For many years he was a congregant of St. Pauls Episcopal Church in Pawtucket, where he was a member of the Golden Circle, sang in the choir, served on the vestry and as Senior Warden. John was a long-time member and officer of Union Lodge #10, A.F. A.M., of Pawtucket, RI; he served in numerous offices and ultimately as Master. He was also a member of the Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of Cranston, RI. He was a member and former president of Lincoln Country Club, Lincoln, RI and a member of Wannamoisett Country Club, Rumford, RI. In his younger years he was an enthusiastic golfer and bridge player. With a fine tenor voice, he sang publicly and professionally. In middle age he discovered the joys of running, joined the Pawtucket YMCA and became and avid competitor in 6 kilometer and half-marathon races. In his later years he took pleasure in keeping up on current events, reading histories of the US Navy, and spending time with his family and friends. He was a patron of many a local restaurants, and as a fine chef himself, he experimented with French and Italian cuisines, and enjoyed entertaining. He also enjoyed travel, and with his wife he cruised to Alaska and Bermuda, through the Bahamas and the West Indies; and he was a member of the Nantucket Frolickers. John was a devoted fan of the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots. Besides his wife he is survived by his son Stephen Lyons of Meadville, PA and Brewster, MA, his step-son James Hollis of Rockland, MA, his brother Kenneth Lyons of Smithfield, RI, two step-grandchildren and many nephews and nieces. He was the former husband of the late Ethel Shuttle Lyons. He had a warm and generous spirit. He loved us all. We loved him in return, and he will be missed.Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, June 7, 2011, from 3-6pm in the Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, RI, followed by a Memorial Service at 6PM.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Pawtucket Boys Girls Club, Development Office, One Moeller Place, Pawtucket, RI 02860.