John Rainville

John Rainville, 82, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2025. Born in Boston and raised in Everett, he was the son of Jenny and Louis Rainville.

In high school, John had the dream of becoming a teacher. In 1964 he began teaching at Gardner High School, after graduating from Boston College. John taught English, German, Latin, Psychology and Spanish. John eventually became the Language Department Chairman. Through the years, John supported various extracurricular activities to include basketball coach, debate coach, language club advisor and was even cast as the band director in the schools’ performance of West Side Story.

When John was not teaching, John could be found in his vegetable garden. John and his wife, Maryann, moved from Gardner to Fitchburg in the early 70’s after having a house built. John transformed a large portion of the backyard into a bountiful garden. The family feasted on the bounty of the garden well into the winter. From before the thaw until after the first freeze, John could be found tending to his garden.

John was loving and gentle and lived a full life. After retiring from Gardner High School, he continued to teach at Mt. Wachusett Community College. He was an active member of St. Anthony Parish in Fitchburg, and was an avid supporter of the Mass Retirees Association.

John is survived by his wife, Maryann, his son and daughter-in-law, Rick and Alicia Rainville, and his grandsons, Samuel and Peter Rainville; his brothers, Joseph Rainville, and George Rainville (Linda) and William Rainville (Joyce). In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his sister-in-law, Karen Kinnealey.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025 at 10:30 am in St. Anthony of Padua Church, 84 Salem Street, Fitchburg. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, August 14, 2025 from 4 to 6 pm in the Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoonoc Road, Fitchburg.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Boston College Lynch School of Education and Human Development, https://give.bc.edu/campaigns/15467/donations/new?a=3974040

Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoonoc Road, Fitchburg is directing arrangements.