JOHN F. McAVOY passed away on 12/16/2014 at age 91. He was born on 8/1/23 in Everett, MA. He was a long time resident of Riverside, CA. He passed away at home with his wife and family by his side. John and Helen were in their 70th year of marriage. John was a 52 year member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 1638, having served in local and state offices. He was also a 50 year parishioner of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, serving in many capacities. John is survived by his loving wife, Helen Virginia Reaver McAvoy of Riverside, CA, daughters Virginia M. Blumenthal, Esq (Lathell) of Riverside, CA, and Lesley M. Baptiste, Ph. D (Prentice) of League City, TX. , sister Lois O’Connell of Everett, MA. Papa John had a special bond with his 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren and is also survived by many nieces and nephews. John is predeceased by his parents John F McAvoy, Sr. and Jennie C. Gerrish, sisters Jeanette McAvoy and Mary Theresa Petersen. John was a proud veteran of WWII and Korean Conflict, having served in the Navy and Air Force for a total of 21 years, 6 months, 12 days. He survived action on the USS Franklin CV13 during WWII, where approximately 950 men were killed about 50 miles off Japan on 3/19/1945. Services will be held on Friday December 26 at 10 am at St Francis de Sales Catholic Church. Burial following mass at 12 noon, located at Riverside National Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Francis de Sales School, John and Helen McAvoy Technology Fund, 4205 Mulberry St., Riverside CA 92501. “Well done, Good and Faithful Servant!” PRESTON & SIMONS MORTUARY, Funeral Directors 951-683-7410 – See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/pe/obituary.aspx?n=john-f-mcavoy&pid=173546742&fhid=2332&eid=sp_ommatch#sthash.Uwyid1aq.dpuf