John W. Risas, Jr., 80, passed away Wednesday, March 17, 2010, in Saint Vincent Hospital. His wife of 50 years, Joan B. (Riley) Risas, died in 2004. He leaves his daughter, Karen Nelson; his brother, Rev. C. Richard Risas; his sister, Ellen I. Indusi; four grandsons: Michael J. Nelson, Andrew L. Nelson and his long-time girlfriend, Kimberly Lacombe and her family, Patrick S. Nelson and his fiancé, Nichole Donahue; and Kerry K. Nelson. He also leaves four great-grandchildren: Justin, Kaila, Olivia, and Ariella. He was predeceased by a brother, William Westberg.

    He was born in Worcester, son of Helen (Mattson) and John W. Risas, Sr., and he grew up in South Penobscot, Maine. John was an Air Force Veteran of the Korean War and an active member of the Worcester Veteran's Council and the Greendale American Legion Post #319. He was a mechanical engineer and worked for more than 30 years at Heald Machine. He was a member of the NRA and was an outdoor enthusiast.

    Funeral services will be held at Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln Street on Friday, March 19th. Calling hours will start at 10:00 a.m. followed by the service at 12 o'clock noon. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.