John A. Ciavola

Clinton

John A. Ciavola, 82, of 309 Church St., died Thursday, January 29 at Sterling Healthcare Center, Sterling, MA after an illness.

He was born in Clinton, son of Domenic and Carolina (Sanginario) Ciavola. He was a graduate of Clinton High School.

John is survived by his sons, Gary D. Ciavola of Beverly and Donald J. Ciavola of Spokane, WA.; a sister, Alice M. Kilcoyne of Clinton; two grandsons and a granddaughter; many nephews and nieces, including Mary McNally, his caregiver. Nine brothers and sisters; and his former wife, Edith Tranfalia, predeceased him.

John returned to his native Clinton six years ago after spending 35 years in California where he was Plant Manager for Artistic Gifts, Inc. of Buena Park. John was a highly decorated veteran of WWII having served in the UDT division of the Navy, now called the Navy Seals. He was a member of team 16; his code name was "Blackie." He was sent to Fortaleza, Brazil for a special training assignment on submarine capture procedures. After his training he and his team were assigned to the USS Chatelain as part of the Guadalcanal Task Group 22.3 boarding party and took part in the capture of the German U-boat, the U-505. That submarine is now on display at the Museum of Science & Industry in Chicago.

One day in Vatal, Brazil John risked his life to rescue a Brazilian soldier being swept away in heavy currents. Having exceptional swimming abilities as a UDT man, John jumped in and saved the man from drowning. For this act, Getulio Vargas, the President of Brazil personally presented John with a special medal for bravery above and beyond the line of duty. He always credited his swimming ability to the training he received as a teenager from Clinton native "Beansy" Sawyer who took him under his wing and taught him the skills that helped to save his life several times during under-water missions. John was wounded in action while assigned to the USS Hornet but was still able to help save two men that were trapped below deck by carrying them to safety. John was the recipient of many medals and honors during his Navy career.

A Funeral will be held Saturday, Jan.31, from FAY BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 1 West Boylston St. West Boylston with a Mass a 11 a.m. in St. John's Evangelist Church, 80 Union St. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery, Lancaster. A Calling Hour will be held, Saturday, Jan 31, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to St. John the Evangelist Church, Restoration Fund 80 Union St. Clinton 01510. (faybrothers.com)