John William Gentile, a member of Waltham High School’s Class of 2003 unexpectedly passed away on May 13, 2017, at the age of 31.  John was a funny and caring young man with a kind and generous spirit.  Everyone that was fortunate enough to know him and spend time with him loved him, and he in turn loved his family and friends.  John could brighten anyone’s day with his sense of humor and witty outlook on life.

John also had a passion for sports, especially hockey. As a youngster he was active in youth hockey and played goalie in high school.  He also participated in intramural hockey at UMass Amherst where he studied communications.  John also loved and experienced the sport as an excited spectator while attending many Bruins’ games both home and away.  John shared his knowledge and enthusiasm for hockey while working for the Bruins and WEEI.

The John William Gentile Memorial Scholarship has been created to honor his memory and help other Waltham High School students who share John’s love of the sport.