John Witkowski passed away at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital on Wednesday, November 25, 2009. He was 76 years of age. Mr. Witkowski was born and raised in Chelsea, attended Chelsea Schools and graduated from Boston State College. John entered the US Air Force in 1951, was a Korean War & Vietnam War veteran and spent 20 years in the service, retiring on August 31, 1971. After his retirement, John settled in Melrose and worked as operations manager at Harvard University for 24 years. Mr. Witkowski was a faithful member of his church community attending daily mass at St. Mary's Church and Incarnation Church in Melrose. John enjoyed his trips to Aruba, taking day trips in his car, ballroom dancing, Boston sports, especially the Bruins. Mr. Witkowski was a dedicated family man who cherished times spent with his family and his devoted companion Peggy. John was the loving husband of the late Doris (Tunkiel) Witkowski. Beloved father of Luanne E. Witkowski & her partner Paula Lawrence of Boston, Jan P. Witkowski & his wife Diane of Melrose, Daniel J. Witkowski MD & his wife Pamela of Melrose and Paul J. Witkowski of CA. Devoted companion of 13 years to Peggy Newell of Melrose. Cherished grandfather of Sarah, Leah, Nathan, Anna, John, Jacob, Patrick and David. Loving brother of 12 siblings survived by Jessie Nocera of Medford, Edna Ligocki of Everett and Carol Joyce of Westford. Also survived by many nieces & nephews. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose, on Monday Nov. 30th at 9AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in John's honor at St. Mary's Church, Herbert St. Melrose, at 10AM. Relatives & friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Sunday from 4:00-8:00PM. Interment at the VA National Cemetery in Bourne. Memorial contributions may be made in John's memory to St. Mary's Church, 46 Myrtle St. Melrose, MA 02176.