John Lewis

OXFORD – John R. Lewis, 87, of Main Street, died Saturday, May 7, 2016, in his home. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, June E. (Hoye) Lewis of Oxford; two children, Cheryl A. Lewis-Darling of Charlton, and Dr. Pamela L. Lewis of Glastonbury, CT; a brother, Henry Lewis of Brimfield; a sister, Eleanor Bigwood of Westboro; two grandchildren, John Lewis Darling of Charlton and Zachary Mendeloviece of Glastonbury, CT; and many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by a sister, Marion Benoit who died in 1975. He was born in New London, CT, son of the late Ruben and Theresa M. (Johnson) Lewis, and lived in Oxford since 1952. He graduated from Commerce High School in Worcester and received his associate’s degree from Powers School of Business. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II.

Mr. Lewis owned and operated Great Eastern Group Fiber Optics for 30 years before retiring in 2009, where he ran fiber optic cable across the ocean floor. In addition, he was a real estate broker, home builder, ship captain, licensed pilot, certified diver, and dance and concert promoter, and brought the Rolling Stones to the Worcester Auditorium in the 1960’s. He was a member of the board of directors of Webster Cooperative Bank in Webster and owned Worcester Fire Equipment in Auburn. He was co-owner of the Oxford Airport and previously worked for Rockwood Sprinkler Company in Worcester.

Mr. Lewis served his community as chairman of the Building Committee and member of the Personnel Board and Planning Board, all in Oxford. He was chairman of the committee that established zoning in Oxford. He was the local chairman of the Salvation Army and loved horses.

He will be remembered as a man who lived life to the fullest.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 17, 2016, at the Oxford United Methodist Church, 465 Main St., Oxford. Burial will follow at North Cemetery in Oxford. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Oxford United Methodist Church, 465 Main St., Oxford, MA 01540. Paradis-Givner Funeral Home in Oxford is directing the arrangements.