Died unexpectedly on August 5, 2014 after being diagnosed with a terminal illness just a few weeks ago. He was 68 years old and was most recently of North Reading.
He was the son of the late Walter J Hardy and Helen Hardy Lindberg.
A proud Combat Veteran of the United States Marine Corps, “Jackie,” as he was known to close friends and acquaintances, leaves his former wife Debbie, as well as six children, John Hardy and his wife Teresa (McGrath) Hardy of Hyannis, Jeffrey Hardy of New Jersey, daughters Jammie Hardy of Hyannis, Jennie Hardy of Lynn and Janette Hardy of Malden, as well as John West of Virginia.
He also leaves behind 14 loving grandchildren. Jackie also leaves behind his sisters Janet Morse her Husband Steve Morse, Joan Farr, brothers Walter Hardy,Randell Lindberg, Robert Lindberg, Michael Lindberg and the late Bobby Hardy. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Born in Somerville Mass., Cpl. Hardy’s life, one could say, was defined by his proud service to his country, serving two tours in the Vietnam War from his voluntary induction in August 1965 through his Marine Corps Recruit Training at Parris Island, South Carolina, to his discharge in September 1969. He was fond of telling friends that his birthday came one day after the November 10, 1775 birthday of the Marine Corps. He raised his family in Somerville. Known as one of the infamous “Tunnel Rats,” he was motivated to help his country in any way possible, as he re-enlisted twice to return to Vietnam from his hometown of Cambridge. John was the recipient of numerous medals and commendations. He was the recipient of the Vietnam Service Ribbon (twice), the Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with device, the United States Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon. He served voluntarily in the war alongside his closest childhood pals and lifelong comrades, Butch Donahue, Mike Kelly and John Flood.
A native of Cambridge, John attended Cambridge Rindge & Latin High School before opting to enlist in the Marine Corps in 1965. He was also a volunteer for the Barnstable Quarterback Club, routinely driving down to the Cape to watch his grandsons play football for the Barnstable Red Raiders, in recent years.
Funeral from the Brown-Flaherty Funeral Home, 261 Washington Street, Union Square, Somerville on Monday at 9am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Joseph Church at 10am. Relatives and friends gratefully invited.
Visiting hours Sunday 2-6pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jackie's memory may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project. Please visit their website at www.woundedwarriorproject.org OR mail in donations to Wounded Warrior Project PO Box 758517 Topeka,KS 66675 (Please be sure to include that you are donating in memory/honor of John Walter Hardy.)
Interment will be private