John Louis Lavelle, Jr.

John Louis Lavelle, 87, of Charleston, South Carolina, husband of Mary Lee Demetre Lavelle died Wednesday, March 26, 2025 in Roper Hospital after a long illness. He was born on January 17, 1938. He was predeceased by his parents John L. Lavelle, Sr. and Alma Louise Condon Lavelle, and his brother Joseph M. Lavelle. He was married to Mary Lee Demetre Lavelle for over 51 years. He had two children, Paul C. Lavelle (wife Gillian and daughter Liesel) and Rachelle Mary Lavelle. He was so proud of his only grandchild. He is survived by his brother Thomas C. Lavelle (Mary) and many nieces and nephews. He was devoted to his family.

John was very active in his home church, The Church of the Nativity, where he served as a lay Eucharistic minister, lecturer, and on the Finance Council. He never missed a Sunday Mass unless sickness held him back. He was a devout Christian and spent much time reading spiritual books and literature. His priorities were God first and his family next. He was a very Godly person.

He graduated from Bishop England High School where he was President of his senior class and later President of Bishop England High School Alumni Association. He attended St. Bernard's Seminary and graduated from Belmont Abbey College. He worked in insurance and investments for over 50 years. For most of those years he was with Mass Mutual prior to his retirement. During his career he received many awards. Most notably of those was as a Life Member of the Million Dollar Round Table, National Quality Award, National Sales Achievement Award, and the Mass Mutual President's Club.

His community activities included The Hibernian Society, the German Friendly Society, Quis Qui Club, and his poker club. In his earlier years he served as President of the Optimist Club of Charleston, United Way Board chairman, President of Charleston Heart Fund, President of Family Services Agency, Charleston Life Underwriters Board of Directors, President of the Lions Club of Charleston, a member of the Trident Chamber of Commerce, and was involved in prison ministry. He was an active member of the Country Club of Charleston for 48 years and enjoyed spending Friday evenings with Mary Lee at the bar socializing.

John's family thanks Chris Hawk, MD, Elizabeth Smith, MD, the nurses of Roper Hospital, and Roper Hospice for their kindness and compassion while in Roper Hospital. Additionally, we thank Johns Island Post Acute facility for their care and attention.

His Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, March 31, 2025 in The Church of the Nativity at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Live Oak Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel on Sunday, March 30 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Memorials may be made to one's church or charity of choice.