In memory of Norfolk Lion John Pokorny

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Norfolk Lion John Pokorny, a dedicated Lion and board member for many years. Throughout his years of service, John was the recipient of numerous honors, including the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship award. Known for his boundless energy and unwavering commitment, John was best recognized for his long-standing role as the club’s Lion Tamer. Thanks to his dedication, the club’s storage shed, supplies, and operational gear were always in top condition and meticulously organized. John was a generous, kindhearted soul, a Lion through and through. His leadership, reliability, and spirit left a lasting mark on our club and on everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him.

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John Henry Pokorny, Jr. 80, of Norfolk passed on July 26, 2025 at Milford Regional Medical Center following over a year of persevering through medical struggles. He was the loving husband of Catherine M. (Riu) Pokorny with whom he shared 58 incredible years.

Born in Newton, April 30, 1945, the son of the late John H. and Lousie (Hoffman) Pokorny, John was raised in Newton and has lived in Norfolk since 2009.

John was a graduate of Newton South High School. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Boston University, where he played hockey and was the coxswain for the crew team.

After graduating college, John began working for his father at J.H. Pokorny Associates, a plumbing representative office in Norwood. In 1972, John became the owner of J.H. Pokorny Associates. He took immense pride in continuing to build the family business for decades before his son, Richard, became the third generation owner.

John loved to keep busy, spending his time collecting stamps, doing yard projects, building stone walls, tinkering in his woodshop, fishing and golfing. John was always willing to give his time and energy to help anyone who needed it, especially if it involved a project. As a board member of the Norfolk Lions, John was involved with many fundraising activities and always made sure the warehouse was extremely organized for the next function.

Family was extremely important to John. The lake house in Webster, where family gathered for the past 25 summers, became the cornerstone of the relationships between himself, his children, and his grandchildren. The success of John’s goal for the lake house and family trips to Eagle Camp is evident in the relationships his children and grandchildren share across generations.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Richard W. Pokorny and his wife Dawn of Franklin, his daughter Laura J. (Pokorny) Russell of Sturbridge, and his step-son Michael Riu and his fiancé Laurie Carlucci of Franklin. By his sister Ann Wade of Chatham. By seven grandchildren: Sydney, Katelyn, Allysia, Cameron, Savannah, John Henry, and Katrina.

The place and time of the celebration of life has not yet been determined and will be forthcoming to celebrate the life and legacy of our adored husband, brother, father, sp dad, uncle, grandfather, Lion, camper, and friend, John Pokorny.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Norfolk Lions online The Norfolk Lions or at P.O. Box 608 Norfolk, MA 02056.

Arrangements are under the care of the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin (ginleyfuneralhomes.com).