John A. Reopelle - 1952 - 2026
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Ted Chmura III
Jan 23, 2026, 8:24:55 AM (12 days ago) Jan 23
to Relics Player Ideas
I had the pleasure of playing with John. I'm pretty sure it was in 2020 with Coach Mike Dutton.
"They" told me he could only see out of one eye. If true, you would have never known it based on how he played.
But the thing I will always remember is that everytime we spoke to each other...he smiled.
John Reopelle Obituary
John A Reopelle
1952 - 2026
West Springfield
John Anthony Reopelle, 73, passed away January 17, 2026, at Baystate Medical Center. Born in Springfield, October 9, 1952, he was the son of the late Theodore and Beatrice (St. Dennis) Reopelle. John was a graduate of West Springfield High School Class of 1970 and worked for the Praxair Company for 30 years, retiring in 2007. He was an avid bowler, softball player, and New York Yankee Fan. He is survived by his beloved wife, Karen (Varela) Devine and their cherished pup, Petey. He also leaves his treasured children, Jessica A. (Reopelle) Thornton and her husband, Jonathan D. Thornton, of Southwick and Jonathan M. Reopelle of West Springfield. He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Josephine Susan and Jensen John Thornton, and Alexander and Diana Devine, a stepson, David Devine, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. A funeral home service will be held Wednesday, January 28 at 5pm at the Toomey-O'Brien Funeral Home 1043 Westfield St West Springfield with calling hours from 3-5 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the West Springfield Park and Recreation Department, in his memory, to support youth sports.
1952 - 2026
West Springfield
John Anthony Reopelle, 73, passed away January 17, 2026, at Baystate Medical Center. Born in Springfield, October 9, 1952, he was the son of the late Theodore and Beatrice (St. Dennis) Reopelle. John was a graduate of West Springfield High School Class of 1970 and worked for the Praxair Company for 30 years, retiring in 2007. He was an avid bowler, softball player, and New York Yankee Fan. He is survived by his beloved wife, Karen (Varela) Devine and their cherished pup, Petey. He also leaves his treasured children, Jessica A. (Reopelle) Thornton and her husband, Jonathan D. Thornton, of Southwick and Jonathan M. Reopelle of West Springfield. He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Josephine Susan and Jensen John Thornton, and Alexander and Diana Devine, a stepson, David Devine, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. A funeral home service will be held Wednesday, January 28 at 5pm at the Toomey-O'Brien Funeral Home 1043 Westfield St West Springfield with calling hours from 3-5 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the West Springfield Park and Recreation Department, in his memory, to support youth sports.
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