The John T. Pelton Scholarship

The John T. Pelton Scholarship was established in 2017 in remembrance of John Pelton, who passed away in April 2014 after a courageous battle with brain cancer. John was a native of Quincy, MA and worked at UMass Boston in the Parking and Transportation department as a tollbooth attendant.

In April of 2009, John was rushed into emergency surgery at Children’s Hospital after a large mass, later identified as brain cancer, was discovered. Despite incredibly small odds, John’s surgery was successful. After recovering from surgery, he spent months at Spaulding Rehab to regain physical and cognitive functions, and then underwent radiation therapy. John was in remission until the beginning of July 2013. John underwent surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and two clinical trials before passing away on April 19, 2014, just one week after his 22nd birthday.

John was a huge Boston sports fan, and enjoyed playing basketball and bass guitar. He had a love for animals and nature, and truly treasured the simple things in life. He was kindhearted, had an incredible sense of humor, and loved his family and friends unconditionally. John was truly an inspiration, and touched the lives of so many.