Article by Right Worshipful Brother Bruce Kominz.
On Thursday June 9, 2016, Worshipful Brother John Cilley was presented with his Centenarian award by our Grand Master Most Worshipful Brother John F. Gordon. This presentation was at his home in Ashland, NH, and was also attended by Right Worshipful Brother Len Peterson, DDGM 6th District and Right Worshipful Brother Bruce Kominz, DDGL 6th District, as well as Cilley family members.
John was born in April 1916, and was Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on February 26, 1954 in Mount Prospect Lodge No. 69 of Ashland, N.H. (which merged to become Olive Branch-Mount Prospect Lodge No. 16 in November 2011). John was Worshipful Master in 1959 and 1960, was been awarded the Major General John Sullivan Award (in Bronze), and recently as well his 60 year Masonic Veterans Award.
John served with the U.S. Army in World War II in the Pacific Theatre, where he earned the nickname “Tinker”, and he served on amphibious craft as a diesel engine specialist. He worked for the “CCC” on many NH Trails, and retired from Scott & Williams where he was a machinist. In retirement he has enjoyed woodworking. He was married for 56 years to his wife Clara who passed away in 2005.
Worshipful Brother Cilley’s ceremony was attended by his son & daughter and other family members.
