John T. Haines, age 56
Devoted husband, father and grandfather
TEWKSBURY: John T. Haines, age 56, a longtime Tewksbury resident, passed away on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at Saints Medical Center in Lowell, after suffering from a heart attack on Friday, November 11th.
He was the beloved husband of the Tewksbury Cemetery Superintendant, Kathy J. (Arneson) Haines, with whom he celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary on June 17, 2011.
Born in Northampton, MA on October 14, 1955, he was the son of the late Clifford F. Haines and the late Barbara P. (Dunn) Haines.
John was raised in Northampton. He attended Deberry Junior Military Academy in Blooming Springs, TN, and later graduated from Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School in North Royalton, OH.
Following high school, he moved to Maine and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force.
John served in the Air Force as a Ground Radio Communication Specialist. He received several decorations and commendations for his military service including the Air Force Longevity Service Award, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Air Force Oversees Ribbon. In addition, John was most proud of the Presidential Commendation awarded to him for reducing resources in electronics for the Air Force. John was honorably discharged from active duty in 1982, having earned the rank of Staff Sergeant.
Following his military service, John attended the University of Massachusetts-Lowell.
He was a member and Past Master of the Wamesit Lodge AF & AM of Tewksbury and was Past Master of the Lodge of Instruction. John also was a member of the Acacia Chapter # 80 Order of Eastern Star.
John worked most of his life in the Technology Industry, most recently as a Computer Technician.
In addition to his wife, John is survived by three daughters, Elizabeth J. McMeniman and her husband Keith of Dracut, Cassandra J. Haines of Tewksbury and Kimberly A. Haines of Dracut; his beloved grandson, Nathan Parker Haines McMeniman.
Calling hours will be Sunday, Nov. 20, from 2-6 p.m., Eastern Star Service at 4 p.m., Masonic Service at 5 p.m., at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury. Funeral services will be held Monday, Nov. 21, at 1 p.m., at the funeral home. Interment at Tewksbury Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory may be made to the Nathan McMeniman Fund, c/o TD Bank, 995 Main St., Tewksbury, MA 01876.