John W. Priestley Jr.

John W. Priestley, Jr. of Bourne, MA, on March 11, 2013

Born in Boston, MA, on February 5, 1925, son of the late John W. Priestley and Lillian Golding, brother of the late Martha Silvi, graduate of Milton High School and Rhode Island School of Design. Proud WWII Air Force veteran who served as First Lieutenant pilot of a B-17 bomber, survived 35 missions over Europe, and received the Distinguished Flying Cross and other medals for extraordinary achievement. Practiced architecture in Boston for over 60 years; worked on historic projects including Faneuil Hall. Served for decades as Chairman of the Board of Appeals in Boston and Bourne. Long-time member and former officer of the British Officers Club. Known to his 7 grandchildren as Grandpa Boom-Boom for his enjoyment of loud fireworks and cannon reports, he loved sailing, supported liberal and charitable causes and was well-loved by many for his intelligence, sense of humor, and story-telling abilities. He leaves his daughter, Anne Priestley of Holliston, son John W. Priestley, III of Rockport, Maine, former wife, Leah DePrizio of Boston, and was pre-deceased by his son, Joel C. Priestley of Westwood. John requested that donations in his memory be made to the Home for Little Wanderers, Huntington Avenue, Jamaica Plain. Burial on Friday, March 15, 2013 at 1:45 PM at National Cemetery in Bourne after gathering at 1:00 at Nickerson Bourne Funeral Home, 40 MacArthur Boulevard, Bourne.