John B. Poland

John Poland, 90, of East Greenwich, went to be with his Lord and Savior on March 16, 2018. John was born on January 8 ^th , 1928 in Lynn, MA to the late John and Sarah Poland.  He was the second oldest of nine children. He was predeceased by sisters Jean and Nancy, and brothers Carl, William, Philip and Walter.

Shortly after graduating from Saugus High School, he enlisted in the Army in 1946 and served during WWII. He earned an Associate Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Lowell Institute in 1950.  John also attended Western New England College, Berkshire Community College and Union College.  He married Marie “Rene” Mailloux in 1954.

During John’s 41-year career with General Electric, he and his family moved 10 times, ending up in East Greenwich, RI in 1979.  He retired from G.E. in 1988.  He soon began a second career as a real estate agent which he enjoyed for nearly two decades with Cress & Company.

John was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He loved his Lord and treasured all the people in his life. He was known for his wisdom, generosity and humor. He was dedicated to his church community and the Gideons, with whom he distributed thousands of New Testaments across the state. He enjoyed bridge, golf, fishing, and cheering for the Patriots, Celtics and Red Sox.

John is survived by his wife, Rene and children Dorrie (and Edwin) Dunlap and John (and Yarni) Poland, his brother Robert, sister Shirley and grandchildren: Matthew, Christian, Sarah, Logan, Jack and Benjamin.

His funeral service will take place at Stony Lane Baptist Church, 921 Old Baptist Road North Kingstown, RI on Saturday, March 24 at 11am.  All are welcome to attend and celebrate John’s life.  A private graveside service will occur at a later date. Calling hours are Friday, March 23 from 6pm-8pm at Hill Funeral Home, 822 Main Street, East Greenwich. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gideons International, PO Box 6864, Warwick RI 02887 or Stony Lane Baptist Church, 921 Old Baptist Road North Kingstown RI, 02852.