John Brewer

John Brewer, 88 years old, of Norwood, MA passed on March 12, 2024. John was the beloved son of the late Albert and Rose Brewer. John is survived by many friends and former co-workers in Norwood, Foxboro and the surrounding area as well as many people who were honored to serve as staff for Lifeworks, who were responsible for providing him support and with whom he developed wonderful relationships with right up until his passing.

John lived at the Wrentham Developmental Center for many years beginning as a young man, moving into Foxboro in the early 1970’s. John lived in Foxboro until the 1990’s when he moved to Norwood. John was a long-time employee at the former Foxboro Raceway from the 1960’s until it closed in the mid-1980’s and also was a long-time employee at the Lafayette House Restaurant where he worked as a line cook and kitchen support staff. John was a dedicated and hard-working man, working 2 jobs a day for over 20 years and developing many wonderful relationships. In the late 1980’s, John went to work for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, working as a custodian for the Department of Developmental Services in their Foxboro and then Walpole area offices. John was a beloved member of their team and was always grateful for the wonderful opportunity to work for his friend Mary Barry while there.

After the challenges of his early years, John enjoyed living in his apartments in Foxboro and then Norwood. In both towns, John was a regular in the downtown areas, hanging out in local restaurants and he became everybody’s friend. John reminisced often about his days working at all of the many places, especially the Raceway. John valued all of his friends and appreciated each one for whom they were. John was an incredibly valued friend to many whom he first knew at Wrentham. His friends always knew they could rely on his support, advocacy and care through good times and challenging times.

John was a charismatic person with a wonderful dry sense of humor. He could always be counted on for a witty response to whatever came his way. He was a regular in downtown Norwood as he was everybody’s friend. John had a big heart and often helped out and looked out for those around him. John was beloved by all. He had the best jokes, most beautiful eyes and was a beautiful soul. He was always kind and cared for others, especially those who needed his help. No matter what kind of day you were having John would always make it better.

John was always happy to see you. He loved talking about anything and everything. He was also always asking how he could help. John was always good for a story and a laugh. He always had a witty joke or comeback. He just wanted the people around him to be happy. He loved his friends and neighbors, particularly Irene who became more like family to him through the years.

John was a man who was incredibly grateful for what people did for him, yet never taking credit for what he did for others.

While John may have been born into some challenging circumstances, he lived his life to the fullest and thanks to his personality and persistence, he left the world a far better place because of who he was.

A Visitation for John will be held in the Gillooly Funeral Home, 126 Walpole Street (Rt.1A), NORWOOD on Thursday, April 11, 2024 from 3-6 PM.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in John’s name to Lifeworks Inc., 789 Clapboardtree St., Westwood, MA 02090 or www.lifeworksarc.org.