John David Shimkus

John David Shimkus, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford surrounded by family at the age of 77. He was a devoted husband for 42 years to the late Paula (Scanlon) Shimkus. Born in Brockton, MA, on October 28, 1945, he was the second oldest of eleven children born to the late Joseph and Veronica Shimkus formerly of Bridgewater.

John was raised in Bridgewater, graduating from Bridgewater-Raynham High School, class of 1963. He then served in the United State Navy, active then reserves. Formerly a resident of Halifax and had been a resident of Lakeville for the past 35 years. John was the President of Bridgewater Farm Supply, the family business, where he worked his whole life. He started at the company at a young age working alongside his father. He left briefly for the Navy. After he proudly served his country, he returned to the family business where he was a truck driver and eventually President of the company. He enjoyed spending time with his family, four grandchildren, gardening, and glamping in his RV. Those who knew John will tell you he never stopped. He was always working, either at the family business or projects at home. He seemed to know how to fix just about anything. He had a way of putting others at ease and would often be heard saying "We’ll figure it out." or "Don't worry about it." He will always be loved, missed, and in our hearts forever. 

John was the beloved father to his son John Shimkus Jr of Taunton and daughter Annmarie Quin and her husband Joseph of Lakeville. Devoted "Grampa" to Thomas, Daniel, Patrick and Kelly Quin of Lakeville. He is also survived by his brother Peter Shimkus and wife Linda of North Carolina, sister Carolyn Shimkus and her companion William Bahr of Florida, brother Joseph Shimkus and his companion Linda Melchionne of Maine, brother Stephen Shimkus of Dighton, sister Rita Shimkus of Buzzards Bay, sister Veronica Ellis and her husband Ricky of Bridgewater, brother Paul Shimkus of Carver, brother Christopher Shimkus and his wife Lisa of Middleboro, brother in law Michael Janak of Carver, several in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins. John was predeceased by his son David Shimkus, sister Clare Janak, and sister-in-law Beverly Shimkus.

Visiting hours for John will be held on Sunday, July 30, 2023, from 4:00-7:00PM at Dahlborg-MacNevin Funeral Home 280 Bedford Street Lakeville, MA 02347. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, July 31, 2023, at 10:00AM, at Sts. Martha & Mary Church 354 Bedford Street Lakeville MA 02347. John will be laid to rest next to his late wife Paula in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Middleboro, following the funeral mass.

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