He was born in Biddeford to Leonard and Muriel (Vallieres) Shevenell. He was a big brother to six siblings and raised in Old Orchard Beach. John enlisted in the Marines at age 18, where he fought in the Vietnam War. Upon his return to civilian life, John attended and graduated from the University of Southern Maine with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.
He was an officer with the Old Orchard Beach police department for 10 years. During this time, John met his sweetheart and the love of his life, Suzanne (Poissant). They were married on Aug. 6, 1977, and later became parents to two sons, who were born and raised in Biddeford. John retired as a Criminal Investigator with the Department of Defense, after nearly 30 years with the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Upon retirement, John continued full-time as his wife’s primary caregiver for her complications with Multiple Sclerosis.
An avid sports fan, John enjoyed supporting the Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics and Bruins. He was a talker; he would talk to anyone, about anything and we all loved him for it. He also had a passion for reading, especially history.
A “Big Teddy Bear” with a heart to fit. Family was always first and foremost. There wasn’t anything John wouldn’t do for his family and for him, his wife’s family was equal to his own. He had a special connection with each of his in laws, proving that family wasn’t just blood. He was always by his wife’s side and his love for her was timeless, unconditional, and never-ending.
He is survived by his longtime sweetheart and wife of 38 years, Suzanne; his two sons, Andrew (and his fiancée Lisa) from Biddeford, Keith (and his wife Marisha); two grandchildren, Alexia and Konnor; three sisters, Carol (and David) from Old Orchard Beach, Helen (and Mike) of Pittsfield, Lisa (and Gary) of Old Orchard Beach; three brothers, Lenny (and Alma) of Brunswick, David (and Lori) of Denver, Colorado, William (and Beth) of Scarborough; and many in-laws, nephews, nieces, and friends.
Visiting Hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 24, 2017 at Hope Memorial Chapel 480 Elm St., Biddeford, ME 04005. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017 at St. Joseph Church in Biddeford. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery in Biddeford at a later date. Arrangements are by Hope Memorial Chapel.
To share condolences online, please visit www.HopeMemorial.com.
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