PEABODY - Roman "John" Chanaj, 76 of Peabody, and the loving husband of Grazyna "Grace" (Sokal) Chanaj, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at North Shore Medical Center in Salem.

Born in Rudnik, Poland to the late Stefan and Ludwika Chanaj, John immigrated to the United States when he was 28 years old. John and Grace would begin their new life in Salem before settling in Peabody to raise their daughter, Joanna. John and Grace would have celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary in just a few weeks on December 18th. He took great pride in caring for his family, and raising his beautiful daughter alongside his wife, Grace.

John worked for many years locally as a machinist before most recently performing maintenance for Hannaford/Big Y in West Peabody for ten years. Taking great pride in all he did, John was no stranger to hard work. Even in retirement, John enjoyed puttering around the house, keeping everything well maintained. He enjoyed spending time outside doing yard work and tending to his garden. Above all else, John loved spending time with his family and was devoted to his wife and daughter. He will be deeply missed by many.

In addition to his wife Grace, John leaves behind his cherished daughter Joanna Chanaj, as well as a niece and nephew in Poland. He is predeceased by his parents, Stefan and Ludwika, and his brothers, Jozef and Władek Chanaj.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to John's funeral which will be held from O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM, on Monday, November 17th at 9 A.M. followed by his funeral Mass at St. John Paul II Divine Mercy Shrine, 28 St. Peter Street, Salem at 10 A.M. Burial to follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Salem. Visiting hours will be held at the funeral home on Sunday, November 16th from 4 to 7 P.M.  In lieu of flowers, consider making a memorial donation in John's memory to St. John Paul II Divine Mercy Shrine . To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com