MATTAPOISETT – John Fred Fearing III, age 97, of Mattapoisett, passed away at home on July 31, 2024, with his beloved wife, Lucy (Maxim) Fearing by his side. John was born February 28, 1927, in Wareham to John Fred Fearing and Marjorie L. (Tripp) Fearing. He attended Wareham schools through the ninth grade and then enlisted in the Navy. John married Lucy Maxim on July 19, 1947, and they had three children. He was preceded in death by his parents: a son, Dale Edward Fearing, a brother, Byron Fearing, and four sisters, Beverly Hoffler, Gleasia Yoder, Barbara Lavine and Dorothy Eldridge. He is survived by his beloved wife of 77 years, briefly survived by his two daughters, Doris E. Bohuslavicky of Paden, Oklahoma; and Harlene L. (David Mark) Simpson of Houston, Texas; one brother, Leslie (Deanne) Fearing of Wareham; and two sisters, Gertrude Alley of Florida; and Marjorie (Wayne) Cooper of Michigan; seven grandchildren, Stacy Dee Vrba of Katy, Texas; Timothy Simpson of Louisa, Virginia; Brian Simpson and Matthew Simpson of Houston, Texas; Kaylen (Christopher) Simpson-Porto of Lenexa, Kansas; Erik Fearing (Erik Gullard) of Malden; and Amy (Sean) Cutting of Wood River Junction, Rhode Island; as well as seven great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and numerous friends.
In October 1944, John enlisted in the Seabees of the United States Navy and served during World War II. He served on the USS Topeka and USS Fall River until he was honorably discharged in 1949 and returned to Wareham. John remained in the inactive reserve and was recalled to the Navy in 1951 during the Korean War. He was assigned to the submarine tender USS Nereus until he was honorably discharged in 1954. During his service, he earned three medals. John received his honorary diploma during the graduation ceremony at Wareham High School in June 2021. In addition to his diploma, John received an award from Governor Charlie Baker in recognition of his military service and diploma. John was an auto body repair specialist for many years, starting at Suddard’s Ford in Wareham and working at Cannon Buick in Middleboro until his retirement. After retiring, John and Lucy enjoyed traveling the country, seeing the sights, and visiting their children and grandchildren. John loved to dance with his beautiful wife Lucy. As anyone who knew them can tell you, if there was a Saturday night dance anywhere, they were there. They were also spotted dancing in their kitchen on their 75th wedding anniversary! Over the years, John enjoyed bowling, collecting model cars, and Buffalo memorabilia. John served as a Major in the Wareham Minute Men and Militia. He served as Grand Marshall at the dedication of the Hero’s Circle Monument in Bourne and was Grand Marshall of the 2023 Veteran’s Day Parade in Wareham. He participated in the Wareham Historical Society, the Town of Wareham’s anniversary celebrations, the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall, and other patriotic ceremonies. John was an active member of the American Legion Post 220 in Wareham for 64 years and a member of the 40 & 8 for 53 years. John was a Master Mason for 56 years and a member of the Social Harmony Lodge and past advisor to the Unity Chapter Order of DeMolay in Wareham. In his later years, John would drive to Dunkin Donuts on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays where he would meet with his nephew and his buddies for coffee and donuts, swap stories and tell stories. He always appreciated a good joke! And he never forgot to bring home a donut and coffee for his wife Lucy.
The family is planning a celebration of John and Lucy’s lives in June 2025.
Arrangements by Chapman Funerals & Cremations – Wareham. To leave a message of condolence, visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com
