John D. Gignac ’55 died on February 13, 2023, in Williamsburg, Virginia.
(The following was provided by the Concord Monitor on February 19, 2023)
John D. Gignac ’55
Williamsburg, VA – John David Gignac, Sr, 88, of Williamsburg, VA, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, February 13, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his son, Mark Stephen Gignac, and his parents, George and Beatrice Gignac.
He was a resident of Williamsburg since 2004, and previously resided in Southborough, MA. He was born on June 20, 1934, in Franklin, NH.
John attended Tilton Prep and graduated from Bowdoin and MIT with a dual BA/BS degree in physics and chemistry. Following graduation he served in the Army for two years, where he was stationed in Germany with his wife of sixty-five years, Joanne Tartaglino. Additionally, he received a master’s degree in chemistry at Northeastern University.
John worked at Polaroid Corporation for thirty-nine years, holding various roles, and retired as director of manufacturing and product development. He was a member of the Polaroid Retirement Association.
John was a devout Catholic and became an active member in many organizations within St. Bede Roman Catholic Church. He was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus, Young at Heart Club, Ciao in Virginia, and the Rotary Club in Southborough.
John was a family man and loyal friend. He enjoyed traveling, wine and his beloved New England sports teams, especially the Patriots and the Red Sox.
Ever the optimist and always encouraging, John loved his family and lived his life to the fullest. He will always be remembered for his tender heart, unending patience, adventurous spirit, dry sense of humor and that twinkle in his eye. He was blessed with a gentleness that made his presence joyful and comforting.
John is survived by his wife, Joanne; his children, John David Gignac, Jr. (Lori), Michele Endorf (Doug), Gina Harvey (Ray), and Lauren Gignac-Grennon (Terry); ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and his siblings, George Michael Gignac, Jr., Frederick Gignac and Carol Bergeron.