John Hill Greendale Sr., 80, Retired Natick Labs Chief, Climbed 49 Highest Peaks in United States

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HOLLISTON – John Hill Greendale Sr., 80, of Holliston, passed away at his home on Sunday, September 20, 2020.

Born in Springfield, he was the son of the late Marjorie (Richardson) and Horace Greendale. He grew up in Wilbraham.

John earned a Bachelor’s Degree from UMass Amherst in Mechanical Engineering and spent his career as a civilian employee for the U.S. Army, first at Springfield Armory and after 1966 at the Natick Labs in Natick.

By the time he retired in 1995, he was the Chief of the Airdrop Division at the Labs, having worked in several different branches. John was part of the team that developed the redesigned Army helmet and holds the patent on the suspension system.

After that, he was a self-employed carpenter.

John was a member of the Highpointers Club and climbed the 49 highest peaks in the United States. He was seriously injured in an unrelated 40 foot fall from a tree and never got to climb McKinley in Alaska. He was always an avid “car guy” and was ready to “debate them” and many other topics – politics included.

John is survived by his two sons, John Hill Greendale Jr. and his wife, Rosanna, son Joey and daughter Carolyn all of Natick and Alan Greendale, Sr. of Holliston, daughter-in-law Elizabeth and four grandchildren; Jeff Intinarelli and wife, Carmel Friedman and great grandbaby, Quinn of Philadelphia, Alan, Jr., Jake and Riley of Holliston. He also leaves sister Jean, of Florida, and her two grandchildren, Jordan and Sarah. He is also survived by his former wife and friend, Mary Greendale.

A private graveside funeral service will be held for family followed by interment on Saturday, September 26 at Lake Grove Cemetery in Holliston.

Friends are invited to John’s home at 215 Highland Street, Holliston to share memories.

Recognizing the COVID risks, the gathering will be outside and people whose last name begins with A through K should arrive between 2:00 and 3:00. Those with last names between L and Z can arrive at 3:30 or later. Please wear masks. For those who cannot visit, please leave a memory about John on the Chesmore’s Condolence/Photo Album page.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Holliston Pantry Shelf 73 Charles St. Holliston, MA 01756 or to the cat shelter of your choice.

Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston, www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com