John M. Percival

Peterborough, NH John Maplesden Percival, cherished husband, father and grandfather, passed away Sunday morning, July 16, 2017 with his daughter at his side. John will be remembered by his family for the selfless and endless love he showered on them, his devotion and always being present for them. He protected them, but at the same time showed them the world. He had a dry sense of humor, the gift of storytelling and was an intent listener. His memory and spirit was timeless. He was deeply good. He knew and befriended people from all walks of life. He loved all creatures great and small. John loved the outdoors. His favorite past times were sailing, horseback riding and gardening. He was a fine craftsman and artist. After a trip overseas, one could find a beautiful pen and ink drawing sketched on the back of a napkin tucked in a pocket. John always had a sports car. You may remember seeing a charcoal grey Alfa Romeo go by with his wife Peg, by his side and a white Westie in the back seat. John's father, Alec W. Percival and mother Muriel M Percival left England as a young couple to settle in West Springfield Ma. He was a Gothic architect and during the depression, she a draftsman. They had one child, a beautiful boy, John Maplesden Percival. John's happy childhood memories included his black cocker spaniel, neighborhood friends and his devoted parents. John graduated early from his high school in West Springfield to join the Navy in World War II. He served on the USS Franklin D Roosevelt Carrier. Toward the end of his Navy career he was introduced, at her family's home to the beautiful Peggy Fisher. It was love at first sight and John became the son Peggy's parents never had. Peggy and John wed and moved to Worcester , Ma, where John received his degree in engineering and Peg gave birth to their son, John Fisher Percival. They have fond memories of those simple times. After graduation John was hired by Singer Sewing Machine Co., where he worked until his retirement. They lived in Fairfield, Ct and had a baby girl, Heather Ann Percival. While at Singer he received his Masters degree with the Sloane Fellowship Program at MIT. He became Vice President of manufacturing for the International Division and President of Singer do Brazil. He and his family spent many precious years living in Brazil. He and his wife moved back to the US, settling in Greenwich, Ct , where John commuted to NY until his retirement. They then bought a home in Florida and a home near their daughter in Hancock, NH. They downsized to Governor Square in Peterborough and then again to RiverMead. John's wife Peg, his son John, daughter Heather Dalrymple, granddaughter Meg Dalrymple and son- in- law Keith Dalrymple will carry his spirit with them forever. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, July 27, 2017 at 2:00 PM at Cathedral of the Pines, 10 Hale Hill Road, Rindge. In lieu of flowers family suggests contributions be made in John's name to Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

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