John A. Carr

1943 – 2017

Hutchinson Island, FL –

John A. Carr, 73, formerly of Holyoke, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2017 surrounded by his loving family.  Born in Springfield, July 28, 1943, the son of Norman and Helen (Messer) Carr, he graduated from Springfield Technical High School and attended WNEC, receiving a Bachelor and Master's Degree in Engineering. He was employed by Combustion Engineering in Windsor Locks until he received early retirement at the age of 55.  Immediately after retiring, John relocated with his wife Nancy to Celebration, FL.  While living there he worked as an Engineer for Siemens-Westinghouse until age 65.  He was predeceased by his wife Nancy (Valenti) Carr in 2011, and he leaves his loving children and their spouses David and Maryann Williams, Lynne and Anthony Tortoriello and Sharon and Craig Pfister.  He also leaves his cherished grandchildren, Kara and Meg Williams and Gage Pfister.  He is survived by a brother and his wife David and Nancy Carr; sisters-in-law Sandy Parent, Cynthia and Alan Milkiewicz and brother-in-law Robert and Marge Valenti.  He also leaves many nieces, nephews and cousins.  John always had a passion for cars, which started at his childhood home in Springfield, building and working on cars with his brother, David.  After marrying and while raising his family in Holyoke, he continued this passion.  His garage was open to everyone, family, friends and neighbors.  While living on Hutchinson Island, he was so happy to be able to work with "The Elliot Museum" with vintage cars.  John was very sociable, easy going, and had a smile for everyone.  His laughter will be missed by all.  The funeral will be held at the Curran-O'Brien Funeral Home, 33 Lamb Street, South Hadley Saturday, August 5 ^th at 9:30 with Liturgy in St. Anne's Church at 10:30 followed by burial in St. Rose Cemetery.  Visiting hours will be held Friday from 4:00 – 7:00pm.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.