John Leo Pritchard

John Leo Pritchard went to join his parents and sisters, peacefully passing on September 10, 2026. Born on March 11, 1936, John made it past one of his benchmarks- 90 years old. 

Called Brother by his sisters and Uncle John by his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, John will live on in the heart of not only his loving family but many that called him friend. John was known for his many stories and remembered by many of his nieces and nephews for years of the best chocolate Easter bunnies and the most amazing Thanksgiving spread shared by up to 20 people in one sitting. 

He was such a loving uncle that he agreed to answer one of his niece’s questions about his time serving in the US Navy during the Vietnam War for her school report. This despite his reticence to talk about this traumatic experience. But his over decade in the Navy also allowed him to see the world. He shared stories of being stationed in San Francisco, being on leave in Hong Kong, and many other places. For many decades he took pride in being the most traveled member of his family. 

Returning home to his beloved Westwood, MA, he worked for Merckens Chocolates. There he also traveled. This time to Central America to test cocoa beans. His family benefitted greatly from his refined taste and knowledge of good quality chocolate. Uncle John’s memory lives in our hearts and in our memory of the best tasting chocolate. 

After retiring, he became more active in the Westwood community, volunteering at the Westwood Historical Society and teaching catechism at Saint Margaret Mary Catholic Church. He adored those kids. 

Uncle John has a special place in our hearts and now in heaven for the years he cared for his mother (our grandmother) allowing her to remain living with dignity in her own home for the last years of her life. 

John Leo Pritchard was born in Boston on March 11, 1934, the second child of John Michael and Margaret Catherine (Foley) Pritchard. He and his older sister Margaret (Marjorie) moved with their parents to Westwood around 1940. Two additional sisters came along in the following years- Dorothy and Madeline. John’s family expanded as each sister married: Marjorie to Richard, Dorothy to John (Jack), and Madeline to Brian. Each brother-in-law became like a brother. John shared recently that Brian was like a brother- they talked almost daily in the last few years, also sharing Westwood as their childhood hometown. 

John was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, two of his brother-in-laws and many friends. He is survived by his brother-in-law Brian Bassett and all his 12 nieces and nephews of the Garrison, Broderick, and Bassett clans as well as many more great-nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. We would like to thank Bob Woods who was such a good friend to our Uncle for so many years. 

A Funeral Mass will be announced at a later date. If you would like to honor John, please send donations to The Westwood Historical Society (In Massachusetts).