Of Waltham, passed away peacefully Sunday evening October 14th, 2018 at the Blaire House of Milford at the age of 92.
Born on June 26, 1926 in Waltham; son of the late Angelo and Rose (Nofi) Girolamo, John was a lifelong resident of Waltham.
John graduated from Arthur Hansen Trade School in 1944 at age 17 and enlisted in the United States Navy. Volunteered submarine duty at New London, Connecticut. Commissioned USS Runner (SS476) at Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Renamed for Runner (SS275) lost all hands to Japanese Forces. John was released to the Naval Reserves in 1946 after his faithful and honorable service to his country.
He worked for the City of Waltham Street Department until being recalled to active Naval service duty in 1951 during the Korean War. He served out of San Diego, California on the U.S.S Bluegill (SS242). Then on U.S.S Grouper (SS214) at New London, Connecticut being released again to Reserve status in 1952.
John returned to the City of Waltham Street Department retiring in 1990 after 42 years of service.
He was a Member of the U.S.S Submarines Veterans of WW II and Joseph F. Hill American Legion Post #156 in Waltham.
John was predeceased by his beloved wife of 62 years Phyllis E. (Nelson) Girolamo, his loving son John Girolamo and his dear siblings Ida Belsanti, Frank, Thomas, Allessandro "Sam", Anthony and Patrick Girolamo.
He is survived by his devoted & loving children Joanne Girolamo of Marion, Phyllis Lassman and her husband, Robert of Franklin, Mary Ann Dahlin of Wellesley, Elaine Girolamo of Franklin, Deanna Girolamo of Franklin and Donna Doucette and her husband the late Rene of Ayer, Robert Girolamo of Waltham, Patrick Girolamo of Wrentham and Frank Girolamo and his wife, Laura of Stoughton, his dear sister Catherine "Kay" Juliano of Waltham, and his chersihed 18 grandchildren, 7 adoring great grandchildren, and numerous nieces & nephews.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Visiting Hours in celebration of John's Life on Thursday Oct. 18th from 4 - 8 p.m. in the Brasco & Sons Memorial Funeral Home, 773 Moody Street, WALTHAM, with a Prayer Service at 7:45 p.m. Private committal services and interment with United States Navy Military Honors will be on Friday at the Massachusetts Veterans National Cemetery in Bourne.
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