Online Obituaries

John Scribner, 71, passed peacefully, June 9, 2021. Son of Kenneth Scribner (deceased) and Genevieve (Wanat) Scribner (deceased), he was born in Holyoke, Mass. John graduated from Holyoke High School and subsequently secured electrician and certified mechanic licenses. He married Sandra (Blain) Scribner of Holyoke, Mass. in 1976. They made Chicopee, Mass. their home for more than 45 years. A vintage car and British motorcycle enthusiast, John spent countless hours tinkering in the garage and turned his hobby into a thriving business, operating BJ’s Cycle, in Chicopee, Mass. for more than 30 years. The quality craftsmanship of his custom motorcycles was sought by British motorcycle fans worldwide, and his projects were featured in industry magazines. The shop sponsored a motocross team and became the Saturday gathering spot for friends, family and loyal customers, who appreciated John’s quick wit, lively banter and willingness to share some tips of the trade. This was especially true for his son and grandsons who benefited from dedicated tutelage on motorcycle maintenance. John is remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, wise grandfather, fun great-grandfather and a good man who was active in the community. He served as a coach for his daughters’ basketball and softball teams through St. Patrick’s Parish and enjoyed bird watching and fishing on Lake Champlain in Vermont, where he spent summer vacations. Organizer of the first Triumph Day, he rode his classic ’76 Triumph motorcycle in countless charity rides. He was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason and Shriner, who was committed to family and dedicated to providing care for those in need. John is survived by his wife Sandra; children Deborah (Boulier) Jorge, Renee (Boulier) Filete, John Scribner, Jr. and Victoria (Scribner) Goodreau; grandchildren Mandi (Beach) Van Oostveen, James Beach, Jessie (Scribner) Labonte, Nicholas Jorge, Jonathan Jorge and Kayla Burgess; great grandchildren Atticus and Rhys Van Oostveen, Mikhail and Cadence Jorge, Zoe Melendez and Brantley Labonte; sister Christine (Scribner) Rybak and her husband John Rybak; sister-in-law Christine Vincent and her partner MJ Fish; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. No services are planned. Donations in John’s honor may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or the Shriners Hospitals for Children.