SALEM – Mr. John Patrick Wilkinson, 78 of Salem, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 17th, 2024, at Salem Hospital, with Kathleen by his side.

Born in Salem, John was the son of the late Clarence and Abrigail (Greehy) Wilkinson. He was raised and educated in Salem, attending the Phillips School and was a graduate of Salem High School, class of 1965.

John was a proud and dutiful veteran. In 1966, he enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. Throughout his life, John enjoyed the comradery and friendships the brotherhood of the military provided and thus he involved himself in numerous veteran organizations.

John, fondly known as "John the Janitor", devoted his entire professional career as a custodian, retiring in 2011 after dedicating over 37 years to the city of Salem.

Committed to the city he loved and many veteran organizations, John was a member of the Witch City VFW Post #1524, where he served as a Chaplain, Post Commander and District 10 Commander from 1997-1998 and 2002-2003. John also served on the Salem Veterans Council and the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 84 and was a member of the U.S.S. Conway Association. He was also a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus and the Immaculate Conception Church in Salem. His outgoing personality endeared him to many, and he will be greatly missed by all.

John was a proud member of the men's ACTS Community where he experienced a spiritual journey with his Brothers In Christ.

John is survived by the love of his life, Kathleen (Sylvester) Wilkinson of Salem; his son, Matthew Wilkinson and his wife, Leanne of Nepal; his grandchildren, Jacy, Julia, Tabitha, Seth, Caleb, Susanna and Josiah; sister-in-law, Barbara Holloran and her husband, Ronald Holloran; sister-in-law, Joanie Wilkinson and several nieces and nephews. John was the brother of the late Stephen Wilkinson, Sr. and Kevin Wilkinson.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to attend John's funeral Mass which will be held at St. John the Baptist Church, Chestnut St., Peabody on Wednesday, January 24th at 10 A.M. (Please meet directly at the church) Burial to follow in Greenlawn Cemetery, Salem. Visiting hours at O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM on Tuesday, January 23rd from 3 to 7 P.M. with a VFW/DAV Veteran Ceremony at 6 P.M. All veterans are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory may be made to the VFW Post 1524, 95 Derby Street, Salem, MA 01970. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.

Salem VFW Witch City Post #1524
95 Derby Street, Salem MA 01970
Email: post1524@vfwma.org
Web: https://www.salemvfw.com/