Northborough – John B. Jay Jr., 79, died Monday May 2, 2011 at UMass Memorial Hospital after a long illness.
He leaves his beloved wife of 23 years, Priscilla M. (Coan) Jay; two daughters, Melanie Leach of Blue Hill, Maine and Karen Remillard of Westborough; three stepsons, Michael Fratoni of Northborough, Mark Fratoni of Boylston and Gary Fratoni of Westborough; a sister, Helen Calverley of Northborough; 12 grandchildren; and two nephews.
Mr. Jay was a graduate of Cushing Academy in 1949 and then attended Worcester Jr. College and University of Kentucky School of Engineering. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He fought in all major battles early in the war, including Chosin Reservoir in North Korea, which was considered one of the bloodiest battles of the 20th century.
Mr. Jay operated John Jay Inc. and was a self-employed truck dealer for J.J. Truck Sales in Northborough for many years. He was a member of the American Legion Post #234, Korean War Veterans Association, AMVETS and VFW, and was the President of New England Chapter of The Chosin Few.
Calling hours will be held Friday May 6, from 4 to 7 p.m., at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main St., Northborough. The funeral will be held on Saturday May 7, at 12:30 p.m., at Hays Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Howard Street Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the DAV Department of MA, State House, RM 546, Boston, MA 02133. For online condolences, please visit www.haysfuneralhome.com.
