Peabody - John A Gould Jr., age 87, of West Peabody died Monday evening, August 7, 2023 surrounded by his loving family following a brief illness. He was the beloved husband of Barbara (Doyle) Gould with whom he celebrated sixty-one incredible years of marriage.

Born in Lynn, MA, he was the son of John A Gould Sr and Emily (McLeod) Gould, formerly of Lynnfield/Naples FL/Londonderry NH. John settled with his family in West Peabody for the past 60 years.

Growing up in Saugus/Lynnfield, John graduated from Saugus High School (1954). It is here where his passion for education, music and community service began. He formed The Johnny Gould Dance Band (1953-1962), performing at many North Shore venues, weddings, dances, and private events with an exceptional group of musicians.

John acquired his undergraduate degree (1960) and Master’s (1963) from Salem State Teacher’s College, where he met his future bride. He continued his education receiving his CAGS from Northeastern University (1972) and Special Education certificate from Tufts University (1977). He was everyone’s favorite Guidance Counselor with his engaging and charismatic personality. As a professional educator, he motivated and instilled dreams in his students and rallied in their successes, serving the Towns of Georgetown, Wilmington, and North Reading. He served in the United States Army and Army Reserves (1964-1972), as well as contributing to the success of his parent’s business, Gould’s Florist, in Lynnfield. After his retirement he could be found volunteering and helping those in need through visits to hospitals/nursing homes, providing rides, and especially spending time with his cherished family.

John was one of the original founders of the Merrimack Valley Guidance Association, Northeast Guidance Association, and Northeast Guidance Directors Association, where he held roles as Chairman and President. He was honored by the Massachusetts School Counselor’s Association receiving the Counselor of the Year Award and Oscar Award, enjoying working along-side the esteem members. John was instrumental in ensuring the scholarship program and dictionary programs were a success at the Lynnfield Wakefield Elks and was always available and ready to help. He enjoyed volunteering at My Brother’s Table.

Through his devoted faith he advocated for children as one of the early members of Voice of the Faithful at St Rosa Lima (Topsfield). His faith also drew him to teach religious education at St. Adelaide’s and where he had the honor of becoming a Eucharistic Minister. He absolutely adored his children and grandchildren, instilling the importance of values, faith, and kindness. They followed his lead through their studies, love of music, community service and travel, especially when taking the family to visit their roots in Ireland. Sonny, as he was affectionately called, maintained his bragging rights, here and across the Pond. We believe he stopped in Ireland on his way to the Pearly Gates.

Besides his adoring wife, John leaves four children. His son John A Gould III and his wife Paula (Glennon) Gould of Beverly, his daughter Deborah (Gould) Schweizer and her husband Robert Schweizer of Merrimac, his amazing grandchildren, Nicholas Gould, Nathaniel Gould and Meghan Schweizer, his loving sister, Mauri Scheffy (Naples FL), his Aunt Madeline Armstrong (Palm Bay FL/Limerick ME), his sisters/brothers in-laws Wayne and Joan (Doyle) Kivi of Yarmouth Port, MA, James and Patricia (Doyle) Burke of Plymouth, MA, Francis and Virginia (Doyle) Cullen (both deceased) and many adoring nieces, nephews, Godchildren and cousins which he was blessed to share wonderful memories.

ARRANGEMENTS: His funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Adelaide’s Church, 708 Lowell St., Peabody, Monday, August 14, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours at the Conway Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody, Sunday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Due to the immune compromise health of family members, individuals planning to attend but are not feeling well, the family will understand if they need to stay home. Burial in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody. For directions and online guestbook please visit www.ccbfuneral.com.