John Curtis Childs
Aug 15, 1935 - Jan. 26, 2026
On January 26th, as snow blanketed the region, John Curtis Childs died at age 90 from a range of respiratory conditions. At his bedside was his loving wife of 67 years, Jean Worthington Childs. Active in body and mind to the end, John had competed (and won) a curling match just a few days earlier.
John had a sharp wit infusing daily life with poetic humor and occasional mischief. He was ever the optimist and loved people as evident by the kindness and delight embodied in most every encounter.
In addition to his wife Jean, John is survived by his children Larry (Alice Heller), Alex (David Lowell) and Ginny (Amory Atkins) and grandchildren, Ty, Jake, Sydney, Georgia, Sky and Elvis. He was predeceased by his son-in-law Bret Smith, older brother Neil and wife Peggy.
Born in New York City to parents Curtis Winfield Childs and Elizabeth Leffingwell Childs. Growing up in Wellesley John went to the neighborhood elementary Brown School and then onto Noble & Greenough School ‘53 and Williams College ‘57 where he majored in Psychology.
Enlisting in the Army his social skills and awareness sharpened by administering the military service entrance exam to thousands of recruits. From there, after considering a path in psychology, he looked towards finance, qualifying as a Chartered Financial Analyst. Able to bring ‘people skills’ to the investment field, he was highly attractive to a sequence of staid Boston-based firms from United Business Service, John P. Chase, and NE Merchants to Excalibur & Woodstock. In his retirement John dedicated himself to numerous philanthropic causes and boards including Easter Seals, Wellesley Scholarship Foundation and North Hill.
Soon after marriage John and Jean raised children moving into his same home John lived in as a child. He especially embraced being a father, committing most of his free time to family. With young children he loved creating bedtime stories, naming menageries of stuffed animals, coaching Little League and promoting yardwork as a team sport. Many winter weekends were spent skiing from old farmhouses crammed with several other families. He and Jean embraced this set up into their 80’s, the age when ski areas award a free pass.
During their early years John and Jean slid into Curling and Golf circles at The Country Club in Brookline. Spanning decades and right up to his last week of life John participated in, and organized, countless mixed, men's, and women's events. Included were his Canadian “brothers”, numerous bonspiels, a World Curling Federation tournament and the Green House Gang. Across all this activity post-match occasions were often embellished by poetry and parodies.
When John attained 81 they moved to North Hill, a retirement community in Needham where during these last 9 years he felt lucky to be surrounded by so many friends, new and old. Able to pursue one volunteer leadership opportunity after the next, one of his keen insights was how the structure and culture at North Hill welcomed his energetic approach to life while supporting his continued growth.
We miss John, but are comforted by his having made an exit while in full swing.
Celebration of life: St. Andrews Church, 79 Denton Road, Wellesley on March 27th at 11am. For online guestbook gfdoherty.com.