John “Giovanni” J. Carbone, 97, of Holden, died peacefully on Thursday, April 23, 2015 at Holden Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center. Born and raised in Worcester, John was the son of Italian immigrants, Felice and Clementina (Caracciolo) Carbone and lived 65 years in Holden.

John enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 23 and honorably served his country as a Tech Sergeant from 1941 to 1945. He was assigned to Company B, 15th Armored Infantry Battalion and received 3 service stars, the Bronze Star Metal and several campaign ribbons from battles fought throughout Northern France (Battle of the Bulge), Normandy and the Rhineland. After returning home, he worked as an furniture upholsterer which he later continued to do part-time. John spend most of his working career as a special agent with Prudential Insurance Company. He was a member of the Hiram O. Taylor American Legion Post #189 in Sterling.

He was extremely outgoing and particularly enjoyed his career in sales where he made many close friends. After his retirement, you could find John on any given morning, discussing worldly topics with his buddies at the Holden Dunkin Donuts. He will be remembered for his optimism and forever saying , “keep a positive mental attitude.”

His wife, Frances (Otterson) Carbone died in 1988. He leaves several nephews and nieces including, Carol A. Sawyer and her husband, Charlie of Princeton; great nieces and nephews; a daughter-in-law, Dawn Carbone of Townsend; and other extended relatives. Besides his wife, John is predeceased by his son, John “Chip” J. Carbone, Jr.; his daughter, Cynthia H. Maher; three brothers, James, Samuel and Cosmo Carbone; and three sisters, Vera Borci, Mary Wyman and Josephine Ciampa.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 27, at St. Mary’s Church, 114 Princeton St., Jefferson. Interment with military honors will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Worcester Animal Rescue League, 139 Holden St., Worcester, MA 01606. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden.