Salem.....

John W Velardi, Jr., age 43 of Salem died Friday October 9th at home after suffering a brain aneurysm. Although he was "brain dead", his body was kept alive with medical technology and he made the ultimate gift of his vital organs to other patients, with their own medical needs.

Raised and educated in Salem, John had played hockey in his youth and was graduated from Salem High School in the Class of 1983. From the age of 12 John was raised by his father. From that point on he grew up hauling lobster traps with his father aboard his boat, "Esther's Pride" out of Beverly Harbor and together they commercially fished for over 20 years. More recently he was a local commercial truck driver until becoming disabled.

At the center of his life was his true pride and joy, his 2 1/2 year old son Joey who was born with Morquio Syndrom, a progressively genetic disease which has no available treatment. A tenacious father and caregiver, he was a strong advocate for Joey's needs. He was able to spend day and night living, teaching and inspiring Joey. In spite of John's own disability, they were still able to enjoy each day and live life to the fullest. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do for his son.

A former member of the Danvers Fish and Game Club, he was an avid outdoorsman enjoying both hunting and skeet shooting. John was also an outstanding sports fisherman. When time permitted, he also enjoyed his friends at Lil' Peach on Jefferson Ave, Salem were he had played Keno.

He is survived by his son John Joseph "Joey" Velardi of Salem; his girlfriend and mother of his son Diane Cloutier of Salem; his father John Velardi Sr. and his wife Carol of Wenham; his mother Katherine (LaPointe) Deinstadt of Peabody; his siblings Amy Velardi of Salem, David Deinstadt of Salem, Jennifer Deinstadt of Peabody; his God Parents Jerry LaPointe and his wife Mary of Peabody; his best friend, Salem Police Officer Michael Levesque of Salem and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a sister Mary Ann Velardi.

His funeral will be held on Thursday at 10:15 A.M. from the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St, (corner of North St) Salem to be followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00 A.M. in St James Church, 161 Federal St., Salem. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be Wednesday from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Salem. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the John Joseph Velardi Medical Fund, c/o Eastern Bank, 72 Loring Ave, Salem, MA 01970. For online guest book or additional information please call 978 74 0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com.