GILFORD ---- John Gerard Huysmans, Jr., 87, of Gilford, NH, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at the Taylor Community.
John was born on July 5, 1937 in Malden, MA, the son of the late John Gerard Huysmans, Sr. and Lucille (Terlizzi) Huysmans of Medford, MA.
John grew up in Medford, MA, and graduated from Medford High School in 1955. He went on to pursue his Bachelor's Degree in Business and Political Science from Northeastern University. After graduating, John quickly excelled in business, working for Fortune 500 companies and advancing to national sales executive. His diligence led to a successful career in international sales, from which he proudly retired.
John met the love of his life, Carole Mae Spaulding, while he was still in high school. As teenagers, the two would summer in the Lakes Region. They joined the Winnipesaukee Water Ski Club and enjoyed boating on the lake in their free time. They married in 1961, and John's career brought the couple to Norwalk, CT. They continued spending summers in NH and rented a home on Pendleton Beach. Later, they purchased a piece of property and built a summer home on Governors Island in Gilford, NH, and started their family. The couple knew the lake would offer the same fond memories to their children that they had cherished as young adults. In the early 1970's they decided to make their summer home their permanent residence and would live there for over 50 years. John had many dear friends from all walks of life and treasured his family.
John will be remembered for his unique ability to connect with anyone who happened to cross his path. Many will remember being offered a Coca-Cola followed by hours of conversation on the front porch. Doors were always open and all were welcome. Later in life, John could be found cruising around the Lakes Region on his motorcycle. Family and friends will always remember John for his charm, quick wit, and sense of humor.
He is survived by his daughter Joël Freeman and her husband Lee, of Woodstock, NH, son John G. Huysmans III and his partner Kerri Ebright, of Alton, NH, daughter Jill Labonte and her husband Mark, of Hill, NH, and son Leonard Huysmans and his partner Michelle Dion, of Belmont, NH. He also leaves behind three grandchildren, Alicia Huysmans, of Ashland, NH, Sarah Freeman and her husband Matthew Boyle, of Newport, NH, Caroline Freeman, of Woodstock, NH, and two great-granddaughters, Eleanor and Claire Boyle, of Newport, NH. In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his wife Carole Huysmans in 2014.
There will be no calling hours.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Taylor Community for their care and compassion during his final years.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.