John Jacob Unterweger, 40, of Westwood, formerly of Plainville, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 24, 2021 at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.

Born in Providence, RI on August 25, 1980, John contracted a virus as an infant which left him severely disabled. He was unable to walk or talk, but with his incredible smile he could light up the world.

He loved riding in his van and going shopping with his mom and his many friends. As long as John was on the go, he was happy.

John went to school at the BICO collaborative in North Attleboro and since the age of 22, attended the Lifeworks (SNCARC) day habilitation program. He lived at home for almost 40 years and last June, moved into a home for medically fragile clients in Westwood. He loved hanging out with his new friends and roommates, always enjoying the rides that they took together.

The family would like to give their heartfelt thanks to all of John’s friends who played a part in his life, to the Wampanoag Road Runner’s Club for their support and for waving to John as they would run by the house, as well as all a special thanks to all of the doctor’s, nurses, and support staff who helped them in giving John the best life possible, especially the dedicated staff at the Lifeworks home in Westwood who provided excellent care during John’s last 7 months.

He was a loving son of Diethard and Meta C. (Neumann) Unterweger of Plainville, the dear brother of Michael Unterweger of Plainville, and the cherished uncle of Sydni and Travis Unterweger of Plainville. He was the dear nephew of Willi Unterweger and his wife Heidi, Henny Metzeler and her husband Peter, and Inge Johst and her husband Heinz, all of Germany. He also leaves 6 cousins, all in Germany and Switzerland.

His funeral service, to which relatives and friends are most kindly invited to attend, will be held on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 1 PM in the Sperry & McHoul Funeral Home, 15 Grove Street, North Attleboro, MA.

Interment will follow in the Wrentham Centre Cemetery in Wrentham, MA.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in John’s memory to: Lifeworks, 789 Clapboardtree Street, Westwood, MA 02090 or www.lifeworksarc.org.