John C. Low, 85, of Essex, died peacefully on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at Kaplan Family Hospice House after a brief but aggressive illness.
Born in Salem to Rebecca (Carter) Low and Roswell Low, John grew up in Essex, engaged in a fair amount of mischief with his cousin Dana Carter, and attended Gloucester High School where he graduated in 1957. He joined the US Air Force and spent most of his time in radio communications at the Chicksands Base north of London. Upon returning to Cape Ann, John married Judith Gray in 1961 and took a job with Tadco Printing before becoming a firefighter with the Gloucester Fire Department in January 1967.
Some of John’s favorite memories include the time spent with his young family camping at Pawtuckaway State Park and skiing in New Hampshire, with a particular fondness for a certain trail at Bretton Woods. John and Judy took the kids on many summer adventures, spring trips to Disney World, and a special 40th birthday vacation to Las Vegas for each of them. Vegas was an annual destination for John and Judy which allowed them to connect with good friends who lived “out west.”
John’s work ethic was unmatched, holding a variety of “side jobs” over the years when not on duty at the fire station. These gigs included painting houses and setting ski bindings at his cousin Bruce Fuller’s shop in Wenham. When he wasn’t working, you could find John tending goal for the GFD ice hockey team, coaching Cape Ann Youth Hockey goalies, training for a 10K, or dashing up to North Shore Community College for a night class on his way to a degree in fire science. John was promoted to fire captain and then deputy chief, leading by example and mentoring lots of young Gloucester firefighters until his retirement in 1995.
John played many rounds as a member of the Rockport Golf Club. As soon as Judy retired from Bank Gloucester, they embarked on several excursions including a 40th anniversary trip to London and Paris with their lifelong friends, the Aptt’s. For several years, John and Judy spent winters in Bradenton, FL and enjoyed the beach, the golf course, and the many lively activities at Timber Creek. And of course, he happily installed smoke detectors for residents needing assistance. In recent years, John became an involved member of the West Gloucester Trinitarian Congregational Church and valued the fellowship.
John is survived by one daughter, Beverly Low of Gloucester; one son, Steven Low and his wife, Janet Stanton of Gloucester; one nephew, Anthony Low and his wife Nicole of Joshua Tree, CA; and best friend and confidant, Harry Aptt of Gloucester. In addition to his parents and beloved wife, John is predeceased by one brother, Warren Low and one sister-in-law, Nancy Low.
His graveside funeral service will be at the Spring Street Cemetery, Essex on Saturday, March 29 at 11:30am. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours prior to the graveside service are from 10-11am at the West Gloucester Trinitarian Congregational Church, 488 Essex Avenue, Gloucester.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan Street, Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923. The family expresses deep gratitude for the excellent care from the team at Kaplan Family Hospice House. Arrangements by the Campbell Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester. Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com.
