John Lemke

AGAWAM – John F. Lemke, 53, passed away unexpectedly in an accident on October 14, 2019. Born in Springfield, MA on March 24, 1966 to Carlene (Perrot) Lemke and the late Lloyd Lemke, he graduated from Cathedral High School in the Class of 1984. While at Cathedral, he played baseball, football and basketball.
While attending American International College, he played football and then received his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and a degree in Psychology. Most recently, he served as a Chairman on the Alumni Board.
John had previously been employed at the York St. Jail, Connecticut Mutual and Mass Mutual. He was a faithful communicant of St. John the Evangelist Church and an active member of the Springfield Lodge of Elks #61.
In his spare time, he enjoyed his early morning walks in Forest Park, watching football and volunteering his time in the community. Most of all, he loved watching his sons play lacrosse, taking them out to eat and going to late night movies; overall spending time with them. He will be deeply missed by his sons, Matthew and Connor, who loved and adored their Dad. He was not only their Dad, but a friend and hero.
To cherish his memory, John leaves his sons Matthew and Connor Lemke and their mother Shelley (Norman) Lemke; mother Carlene (Perrot) Lemke; siblings Diane Lemke, Debra Griffith, Brian Lemke, Michael Lemke and his wife Laura, David Lemke and his wife Tami, Kevin Lemke and Traci Lemke as well as several nieces, nephews and friends.
Family and friends are invited to gather on Sunday, October 20, 2019 from 3-7 PM at Colonial Forastiere Funeral Home, 985 Main Street, Agawam. Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 21, 2019 beginning at 8:45 AM at the funeral home followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 AM at St. John the Evangelist Church, Main Street, Agawam. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John’s memory may be made to JDRF 26 Broadway, 14th Floor New York, NY 10004 or to the Springfield Lodge of Elks #61, 440 Tiffany St, Springfield, MA 01108. For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.forastiere.com