John Barry Wells

John Barry Wells, age 88, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. He was the beloved husband of the late Beth Virginia (Mellott) Wells, until her passing in 2014.

Son of the late Milton and Helen (Slick), he was born June 2, 1936 and raised in Pennsylvania. He graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy at King’s Point, NY in 1958 with a BS in Marine Engineering. After graduation, he sailed as a licensed engineer for Sun Oil Company’s tanker fleet. He then came ashore and worked as a Nuclear Engineering Planner at the Bethlehem Steel Company’s shipbuilding division at the Fore River Shipyard, Quincy, MA supporting the development of the Navy’s first nuclear powered surface ships. For the next 35 years he was employed by General Dynamics Electric Boat in their Groton, CT, Quincy, MA and Quonset Point, RI shipyards and retired as Chief of Engineered Materials and Engineering Configuration Management Specialist.

For 25 years, he served in the Naval Reserves as Commanding Officer of Naval Control of Shipping, retiring with rank of Lieutenant Commander. He held various positions within the Methodist Churches he attended and was the chairman of the local Cub Scout and Boy Scout Troops for many years. His hobbies included model trains, woodworking and gardening.

John is survived by his three children and their spouses, John Frederick Wells and his wife, Kerry of Franklin, M. Scott Wells and his wife, Lisa of Methuen and Kimberly Wells Raymond and her husband, David of Littleton; his six grandchildren, Andrew, Christine, Alycia, Abigail, J. Christian and Samuel, as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was the brother of the late Evelyn Marchesano.

Relatives and friends are invited to John’s memorial service on Friday, December 6, 2024 at 11 AM at the UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF WESTFORD, 10 Church Street, Westford. A private burial took place in Pine Grove Cemetery, Westford. Donations may be made in John’s memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.