John Thomas Chmielecki, 55, of North Andover and Seabrook Beach, NH, died Friday, January 7, 2011, at the Merrimack Valley Hospice House, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with brain cancer.

John was born in Lawrence, son of Stella (Torla) and the late Stanley Chmielecki.

He graduated from Mount Carmel Seminary, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, in 1973, and obtained his bachelor of science in business administration from Northeastern University, Boston, in 1978, where he maintained a perfect grade point average and served as Class Marshall. His masters of science in finance was completed at Bentley College, Waltham, in 1985. John also maintained his standing as a Certified Public Accountant until his death. His work experience included senior auditor, Arthur Anderson, Boston; Controller of CSA Financial Corporation, Boston; assistant vice-president, American Cable Systems, Beverly; controller/director, New England Financial Resources, Boston; director of finance, Foley, Hoag, LLP, Boston; and, most recently, controller, Orchard Brands Corporation, Beverly.

John was an active member of St. Michael Parish in North Andover. He also served on the Town of North Andover Finance Committee from 1987 to 1991, and coached multiple in-town sports teams.
In his spare time, John was an avid Lionel train collector. He maintained a seasonal vegetable garden and took great pride in his yards. John also undertook many do-it-yourself projects around his homes.

He was a dedicated husband and father and enjoyed frequent trips to Walt Disney World and spending time with his family at Seabrook Beach.

In addition to his mother, he survived by his wife of 31 years, Judith (Jarosz) of North Andover; four children, Juliann, John Zachary, Abigail, and Luke; siblings Stanley of Nashua, NH; Charles of Brookline, NH; Frances of Gilmanton, NH; George of Mansfield; and Laura, of Nashua, NH; in-laws Walter and Joanne (Longo) Jarosz, Sr. of Methuen, MA, and their children Walter, Jr. of Atkinson, NH, Michael of Seabrook, NH, Linda Ardizzone of Newton, NH, and Laurie Libby of Haverhill. John is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a special great-aunt, Marie ‘Dolly’ Longo of Lawrence. The family would like to thank his home caregivers, Donna and Pam, as well as the Merrimack Valley Hospice House staff for their superb care, concern, and love while John was ill.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley St., Methuen. His funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at 10 a.m. in St. Michael’s Church, 190 Main St., North Andover. Burial will follow in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Lawrence.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Merrimack Valley Hospice House, 360 North Ave, Haverhill, MA. 01830.