John J. “Big John” “Clam Digger” Midura Obituary (2013)

FALL RIVER ... John J. "Big John" "Clam Digger" Midura, 77, of Fall River passed away Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at Charlton Memorial Hospital following a brief illness. He was the husband of Paula (Lawton) Midura of Fall River and husband of the late Edna (Cinquini) Midura. Born in Fall River, he was a son of the late Joseph and Josephine (Hebda) Midura and had been a lifelong resident on this city. Mr. Midura retired in 1980 from the Fall River Police Department as a sergeant after 10 years of service. He earned an associate's degree in criminal justice from Babson College in 1975. Prior to becoming a police officer, he was in the United States Army and was employed as a carpenter. He was also a security guard at St. Patrick's Cemetery ,Fall River for many years. He was a communicant of St. Stanislaus Church, Fall River where he was the past president of the Kosciuszko Club, and current president of the St. Stanislaus Cadets, and in the community he was a member of the Polish American War Veterans and Fall River Rod & Gun Club. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, clamming, gardening and loved listening to polka music. Along with his loving wife, Mr. Midura is survived by 2 daughters: Nancy A. Vadeboncoeur and her husband David of Somerset and Helen A. Motta and her husband Michael of Fall River, 2 sons: Thomas J. Midura and his wife Lori of Assonet and Michael J. Midura and his wife Claire of Fall River, 1 brother: Paul V. Midura of Fall River, 4 grandchildren: Katelyn Motta, Kacy L. Midura, Sydnee R. Midura and Paul Beaudoin, 1 Great Grandson: Matthew R. Beaudoin, and several nieces and nephews. He was father of the late Stephen Midura and John J. Midura, Jr. and brother of the late Mildred Midura. Funeral to which relatives and friends are invited will be held Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at 9AM from the BOYKO MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 709 Broadway Fall River, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10AM at St. Stanislaus Church, 36 Rockland St. Fall River. Interment will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Fall River. Calling hours will be Monday, January 14, 2013 from 4 - 8PM.