John N. Wilcox

John Norbert Wilcox, age 73, of Centerville, Massachusetts, passed away on May 2, 2018. John was born on February 7, 1945 to Irene and Norbert “Bud” Wilcox in Faribault, Minnesota. He grew up in Elysian, Minnesota and worked with his dad and brother Allan Wilcox in the family newspapers in Elysian and Waterville. After graduating from Mankato State University, John continued his newspaper career working for the Mankato Free Press. He began a 30 year career with Ottaway Newspapers in 1979. He served as General Manager and Publisher of several Ottaway newspapers around the Midwest and Northeast, including the Cape Cod Times. In 2002, he joined Ottaway's corporate staff as Executive Vice President. He was later named President and CEO of the group, as well as a Senior Vice President of Dow Jones.

While there’s no question John had a successful career, his true pride and joy came from his family. John married his high school sweetheart Patricia Dudley on September 3,1966, and they were blessed with four children. He loved to spend time with his family traveling; Walt Disney World was a favorite destination. John treasured time with his grandchildren who lovingly called him Poppa. John especially loved Cape Cod, where he enjoyed running, kayaking, and walking the beach with Patty. John was known for his creativity, unique sense of humor, kind heart and strong faith. He was an active member of Our Lady of Victory parish, volunteering his time and talents.

John was preceded in death by his daughter, Jessica Mary Heydon, and his parents Irene and Norbert Wilcox.

John is survived by his wife, Patricia, his children Jennifer Rohman and husband Kevin, Jim Wilcox and wife Kari, John Wilcox and wife Carly, his son-in-law Jonathan Heydon; grandchildren Arthur, Kevin and Harrison Rohman, Christopher, Ryan and Jake Wilcox, Rosemary and Daisy Wilcox, Wyatt and Abby Heydon, and his brother Allan Wilcox and wife Mary Ann.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 5 at 11:00 a.m. at Church of the Nativity 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood, KS. A Visitation at the Church will precede the Mass at 10 a.m. Burial will be at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in Centerville, MA. Please share a memory or note of condolence at www.mcgilleystatelinechapel.com.