John Rogers Eldridge

John Rogers Eldridge 94, of Danvers, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2025, surrounded by the love & warmth of his family.  He was the beloved husband of the late Grace Elizabeth (Morin) Eldridge with whom he shared 66 years of marriage.

John was born in Beverly on February 9, 1931, and was the son of the late Percy and Florence (Hicks) Eldridge. John grew up in in the Ryle Side neighborhood of Beverly and later moved & raised his family on Grant Street in Danvers.  He was a graduate of Beverly High School and worked at United Shoe, Hogan Regional Center, and his retirement job at LBK Transportation.

Dad, Grampy, John, Johnny, Brother, Uncle, Friend, whatever you called him, you knew your relationship with him was cherished – or as he would say, “Just don’t call me late for dinner 😉 ”.  John was a testament of love, faith, family, integrity, a true gentleman and the centerpiece of the Eldridge family.  His greatest pride and joy came from his family.  When the grandkids were younger, he could be seen driving them around town to grab an ice-cream, zipping them around on the golf cart at Pine Acres, pridefully watching their games and concerts, bravely giving driving lessons, and he absolutely valued and revered family celebrations surrounded by great food, laughter and love.

He had a love of physical activity from a young age, swimming in Bass River off the rocks, biking all around the north shore, and swimming and lifting weights at the YMCA late into life. He enjoyed day trips with his beloved Grace and their dear friends Bob and Helen Gibbs. For many years, John was a porch figure on Page Street, befriending all the neighborhood dogs and cheering on the local run club. Second to his love of his family, Johnny had a great love of food, from Sam & Joes pizza, to The Village in Essex, and he was always happy with a good old fashioned hot dog.

He leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness through his children, Mark Eldridge & Colleen, John “Jack” Eldridge and Connie, Christine Hunt and Carol Eldridge-Sax, his adoring grandchildren Jillian Eldridge & Jeff Laws, Kerri-Ann & Andrew Adams, Evan & Alex Eldridge, Lily Eldridge, Jacqueline Eldridge, Jeffrey & Louise Eldridge, Jennifer & Greg Langathianos, Amanda Hunt & Josh Torrey, Cameron Hunt, Morgan Sax, Benjamin & JaLisa Sax, and Noah Sax.  His beloved great-grandchildren Brooke, Austin, Evan, Skylar, Autumn, Mary-Grace, Cayde, Christian, Daisy, Riley, Jack, Olive, Louie and Madeline.  His brother Richard Rogers, brother-in-law Nelson Morin & Phyllis, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and extended family.

John was predeceased by his siblings Horace, Evelyn, Ernest & Winifred and by his granddaughter Cathleen Elizabeth Hunt, his son-in-law Michael Sax and his sister-in-law Patricia Rogers.

John’s family would like to acknowledge the dear friendship he shared for many years with Miguelina Castro who brought so much joy to Johnny’s day.

Having a strong faith and relationship with God, John found comfort knowing that he would one day be reunited with those gone before him, especially his beloved wife. May Johnny be dancing eternally with his girl, Gracie.

His funeral services are private.  In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in John’s name to CMT Research Foundation, https://cmtausa.org  or mail to Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association, PO Box 105, Glenolden, PA 19036.  Arrangements made by C. R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers.  To share an expression of sympathy with John’s family, please visit www.LyonsFuneral.com.