March 28, 2024

The Rev. Mr. John F. Needham

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The Rev. Mr. John F. Needham, retired deacon at St. Margaret Church, Rumford, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 12, 2021, at his home in Rumford, RI. The son of the late Joseph and Laura (Martin) Needham, Deacon Needham was born in Providence, RI, on January 12, 1941. He was married to the late Marilyn (Gilmore) Needham at St. Pius Church in Providence on July 6, 1968.

He is survived by three sons, Jeremy and his wife Dina of Cranston, Timothy and his wife Courtenay of Cumberland, and Christopher and his wife Kerry of Attleboro, MA. He leaves behind seven beloved grandchildren: Dylan, Madison, Mallory, Mackenzie, Alyssa, Kacey, and Caroline.

Educated at St. Michael School, LaSalle Academy, Our Lady of Providence Seminary, and Providence College, Deacon Needham was head of the Social Studies department at Cumberland High School, teaching history there for over forty years. He was ordained to the diaconate by Bishop Louis E. Gelineau on October 10, 1998, serving as deacon at St. Margaret Church since that time. He served briefly in the US National Guard and was a member of the St. Michael Council, Knights of Columbus.

Deacon Needham's calling hours will be held at St. Margret Church, 1098 Pawtucket Avenue, Rumford, on Monday, October 18 from 4pm until 7pm. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am on Tuesday, October 19 at St. Margaret Church. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Providence. In his memory, donations to St. Margaret Church, 1098 Pawtucket Avenue, Rumford, RI 02914, would be gratefully appreciated. Arrangements by the PERRY-McSTAY FUNERAL HOME.

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