Freetown’s John ‘Johnny Angel’ Remedis Killed in Car Crash

FREETOWN (WBSM) — John W. Remedis, whose nickname of “Johnny Angel” went far beyond just his work as a disc jockey and car club founder, has passed away.

Remedis, 78, was killed in a car crash on December 4 on South Main Street in Freetown, the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office confirmed to WBSM this morning. His wife, Linda, was also injured in the crash and taken to the hospital, and her condition is currently unknown.

Remedis used the nickname “Johnny Angel” in association with his DJ gigs, as well as with the classic car club he founded, the Downshifters of New England. However, the “Angel” moniker had a double meaning, as Remedis himself was like an angel to so many with his selfless dedication to service – in the military, as a public servant and as a private citizen.

A Decorated Veteran With a Lifelong Commitment to Service

The East Freetown resident was a decorated war hero who served in the 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam. He was awarded both a Purple Heart and a Silver Star, the latter after he saved multiple lives after a munitions bunker caught fire under attack and was about to explode.

He later went on to serve as Post Commander for the Freetown Veterans of Foreign Wars. In 2004, he was named both the Veteran of the Year by the Veterans Transition House and as the Standard-Times Man of the Year.

According to his LinkedIn page, Remedis worked as a police detective in both Massachusetts and Florida for about 21 years, retiring in February 1990. His page says that he was cross-sworn as a customs agent and worked with the Drug Enforcement Administration and Coast Guard as well. He formed arson units in two different police departments, operated police boats, investigated homicides and other crimes, and also taught at the police academy as well as other law enforcement classes.

The Birth and Growth of the Downshifters Car Club

The Downshifters car club was originally started by Remedis in Brooklyn, New York, in 1959. When he retired to Florida, he began a Downshifters chapter there in 1989. He then moved back to the SouthCoast, and started the Downshifters of New England in 1991.

Remedis was not only the club president, he was also the resident DJ. At the club’s “Cruise Night” events, he would spin the oldies that set the tone for the car shows that raised money to benefit local causes. During the winter months, the group would hold dance nights to continue fundraising efforts. Net proceeds went to organizations such as A Wish Come True, Toys for Tots, and the Veterans Transition House. The club never charged any membership dues, instead encouraging members to give more to the charities associated with the club.

The Heart of 50s Night and SouthCoast Car Culture

The Downshifters have long been associated with Joe Jesus’ 50s Night each summer in downtown New Bedford. Remedis worked closely with Joe Jesus during the years he ran the event, and after Jesus’ passing, worked on the planning committee with Jesus’ granddaughter Dawn Mahler.

“He was such an integral part of the planning committee. There aren’t many of us, and each carries a pretty significant workload,” Mahler said. “Johnny brought a lot of passion and a lot of pride.”

She also said the 2026 edition of Joe Jesus’ 50s Night will be a tribute to Remedis.

“As soon as I heard the news, one of my first thoughts was that this coming year is going to be a memorial for him,” Mahler said. “It will be an honor and a privilege to ensure his memory is kept on, just as it was for my grandfather.”

Community Tributes Pour In for “Johnny Angel”

Tributes are also pouring in on Facebook in the car club groups. In a post in the Downshifters Facebook group, Ron Moura said he will keep that group going in Remedis’ memory.

“I know that’s what Johnny Angel would want me to do,” he wrote. “Johnny was a caring person who would give you the shirt off his back and helped everyone he could.”

Remedis’ close friend Bob Bramwell also memorialized Johnny Angel in the Facebook group for his organization, Cuz’s Car Club.

“This guy was like my brother,” Bramwell wrote. “A true American hero who walked among all of us car guys. This brother will be missed.”

A Legacy of Kindness Beyond the Car Club

Remedis’ charitable acts went beyond just what he did with the club, however. He would also organize Thanksgiving dinners, clear snow from driveways anonymously and at no cost, and selflessly gave his time and efforts to anyone in need, hoping only to inspire generosity in others in return.

As anyone who knew him would tell you, Johnny was definitely an angel.