John L. Elias

John L. Elias, 63, died with his wife by his side in their home on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017. Born in Lourinhã, Portugal on March 5, 1954, he was the son of José Elias, Jr. and Maria (Leonardo) Elias. Though he seemed all-American, John came to the U. S. at the age of five, unable to speak English. He traveled, especially to Portugal and Cape Cod, but never really lived anywhere outside of five square miles of Ludlow and Indian Orchard. He was employed by ADS for over 45 years, having started there when he was just 18 and rising from line person to maintenance foreman. For most of his life, John was known for his Harley Davidson, but shifted that love to Corvettes and loved being a member of the Corvette Club of Western Mass.

He is predeceased by his parents and his twin brother, Rafael, who died two weeks after their birth. He leaves behind his wife of 34 years, April (Taylor) Elias, his daughter, Caly Studley and her husband Steven, his two granddaughters, Aria and Amelia, his sister, Beatrice Elias Williams and her husband Leroy, and his nieces, Susan Bradway and her husband Bill, Denise Shea and her husband Richard and nephew, Eric Williams and his wife Thelma.

Calling Hours for John will be on Sunday, Dec. 17 from 1-3pm at Nowak Funeral & Cremation Services, 15 Ludlow Ave., Springfield, followed by a service celebrating John’s life with a time for sharing memories of John. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Soldiers’ Home, 110 Cherry St., Holyoke, MA, 01040. For additional info., please visit www.nowakfuneral.com.