NORTH ADAMS, Mass. —  John Eleric Daub, 86, of Charlotte, NC, and a long-time former resident of North Adams, MA passed away peacefully on June 27, 2026 in his sleep. Born in Pittsfield, MA, on November 10, 1939, John was the son of the late John Herbert and Mary A. (Ouellette) Daub. Growing up at Daub’s Pond in Clarksburg, he learned the value of hard work early, helping his father run the family’s ice business. After graduating from St. Joseph High School in 1958, John enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on January 19, 1959. Serving proudly as a Corporal until 1963, his sharp precision earned him a spot on the elite USMC Silent Drill Team and a place in the historic Washington, D.C. Honor Guard for the funeral of President John F. Kennedy.

John’s return to civilian life brought him back to the Berkshires, where his working years were defined by a relentless work ethic and a knack for mastering complex trades. He dedicated many years to Berkshire Hathaway in Adams and later worked at the Sprague Electric Research Center in North Adams. While there he met the love of his life, Donna. John’s career later took him to General Electric in Pittsfield, where he operated massive industrial cranes. A man who always knew his way around a good catch, he later transitioned into the wholesale seafood industry at the Boston Fish Market and Berkshire Beef Company where he was affectionately known as “The Big Tuna”. John ultimately retired as the seafood department manager for Wohrle’s Food in Pittsfield.

A true "jack-of-all-trades," John was a master tinkerer who could fix just about anything with a little time and patience. When he was not fixing things around the house, he was an avid bowler and a fiercely loyal, lifelong fan of Boston sports. He was a familiar, welcoming face throughout the community, holding memberships in the North Adams Elks Club, American Legion Post 597, and the Greylock Club, and communicant of St. Francis and St. Anthony Church.

Above all his accomplishments, John’s greatest legacy was his family. On June 20, 1964, he wed his partner in life, Donna Marie (Fulginiti) Daub, at St. Anthony of Padua Church, beginning a beautiful 62-year journey of marriage. He was the ultimate family man, happiest when playing Parcheesi, laughing, or just sitting back to talk about life with those he loved most.

In addition to his loving wife, Donna, he leaves behind his proud children: his devoted daughter, Kimberly Glenn and her husband, Joe, of Charlotte, NC; and his Patriots-loving wingman son, John N. Daub and his wife, Lindsay, of North Adams. His legacy of strength and kindness lives on in his cherished grandsons: Nicholas, Nathan, and Jacob Glenn of Charlotte, NC, and John N. Daub of Edgewater, NJ. John is also survived by his siblings, William E. Daub (Losha Marie), James Daub (Peggy), Mary Mendel, Joanne Hodgdon, Roberta Alfonso, and Barbara Jean Tremblay, alongside a large, loving network of nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother, Gerald F. Daub, and his sister, Judith A. Daub.

FUNERAL NOTICE: A Liturgy of Christian Burial celebrating the life of John E. Daub will be held on Monday, July 13, 2026 at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church at 11:00 AM. Burial with full Military Honors will follow in Southview Cemetery. Calling hours will be on Sunday, July 12, 2026 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Donations may be made to St. Elizabeth of Hungary church in care of the Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Homes- WEST CHAPEL 521 West Main St. North Adams, MA 01247. To add to the book of memories please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.