John J. Braithwaite, a 58-year resident of Marshfield, died recently at the age of 82. The New Bedford, Massachusetts native was an educator for 39 years. He was the son of the late John J. and Cecilia (Lewis) Braithwaite.

He received a bachelor's degree from Bridgewater State College in 1957, a master's degree from Boston College in 1961, and took additional course work at Boston University, the University of Maine, and Shippensburg State College.

Mr. Braithwaite served as a teacher in Franklin and as a guidance counselor in Quincy.  He was the Director of Guidance in Goffstown, New Hampshire and in Marshfield. He later became the Director of Pupil Services and Director of Special Education in Marshfield. For several years, he also worked as an adjunct professor at Bridgewater State College.

John was an active member of numerous professional organizations including the American Personnel and Guidance Association, Council of Administrators of Special Education, Massachusetts School Counselors Association, and the Massachusetts Bay Association for Counseling and Development.  He was also the recipient of the Massachusetts School Counselors Award in 1973, and was a founding member of the Pilgrim Area Collaborative.

An active member of the Marshfield Historical Society, he served on the Board of Directors as well as the meeting chairman and vice president. His work with the Society was recognized in 2006 when he received the Lysander S. Richards award. He also worked diligently on Hatch Mill restoration and preservation projects for over 40 years.

A 50+ years Town Meeting member and teller, Jack was the chairman of The Town Meeting Review Committee in 2005 and 2006. A member of the Knights of Columbus for 59 years, Mr. Braithwaite was also a communicant at St. Christine's Church.

Husband of the late Helen (Wolski) Braithwaite, he is survived by his children: John of Lowell, MA; Ken (Nancy) of Marshfield; Colin (Beth) of Franklin, TN; Amy (Skip) Molitor of Walla Walla, WA; Maura (Mike) Carroll of Etters, PA; Regan (Mark) Cromwell of San Antonio, TX; Graeme of Fridley, MN; and Erin (Tim) White of Weymouth, MA. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren – Dasha, Andy, Shannon, Kelsey, Meredith, Denali, Kiana, Ashley, Brittany, Courtney, Hayden, Connor, Cameron, and Corey.  Brother of the late Gerard (Barbara) Braithwaite of Falmouth, MA, he is also survived by several cousins in the United States and England.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, August 20, 2017 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the MacDonald Funeral Home, 1755 Ocean Street (Rte. 139) in Marshfield. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Monday, August 21, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Christine's Church, 1295 Main Street, Marshfield. Relatives and friends are invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Hatch Mill Group, Inc., P.O. Box 2518, Ocean Bluff, MA 02065 or to the Marshfield Historical Society, P.O. Box 1244, Marshfield MA 02050.

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