John Anthony King, 87, moved onto his afterlife on Saturday, January 5, 2013, surrounded by his entire family, whom he loved so dearly. He was born and raised in Manchester, NH the fourth of seven children of Thomas and Bridget ( O'Malley) King. He attended Manchester Central High School, where he later was inducted into the school's Alumni Hall of Fame. After graduating from high school he served his country with distinction as a Radioman, along with his three other brothers, in the US Navy in World War II. Upon his return to NH, John A. graduated summa cum laude from St. Anselm's College, and thereafter graduated with his Masters Degree from Boston University and was a few credits shy of his Doctorate Degree from B.U.
Prior to retiring, John A. taught school first in the Hooksett School System and then for many years in the Manchester City Schools. He also served as principal of Youngsville & Weston Schools touching many young lives and making a difference. He also taught at the college level as an Adjunct Professor at St. Anselm's College. He went on to honorably serve the State of NH as Director of Probation for over 20 years and then held elected office for 10 years as a four term NH State Senator, serving as Vice President of the Senate and served one term as NH State Representative.
John A. was a spiritual man of strong faith who practiced his beliefs in his everyday life. His generosity was always displayed in quiet, humble ways, which oftentimes went unnoticed, but nonetheless made heartfelt effects on the receiver. He instilled in his children and grandchildren the importance of family loyalty and truly being there for each other with unconditional love.
John was a strong democrat who was very active in local and federal politics, was a self professed news junkie and was known to enjoy a good political discussion. He was a member of the American Legion Sweeney Post of Manchester, the Knights of Columbus, League of 1000 Men of the Precious Blood and was very proud of his Irish heritage belonging to the Manchester chapter of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America.
John A. King will always be remembered as a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, and more recently great grandfather. He was predeceased by his only infant son and his beloved wife, Mary (Roberge) King. He was also predeceased by his three younger sisters Irene (King) Smestad, Esther (King) Amsden and Patsy (King) Demers, as well as his older brothers Frank King and Tom King. John leaves behind his his only surviving brother Peter J. King of Manchester and his five loving daughters, Patty Ann Kraus & husband James of Newburyport, Mass., Mary Ann Clogston & husband Dennis of Pearland, Texas, Carol Ann Lafleur & husband Dan, Bridget Ann Flynn & husband Tom, Evey Ann King, all of Manchester, NH. John has nine grandchildren: James Anthony Kraus, Caitlin Bridget Kraus, Patrick Thomas Kraus, Jonathan Clogston, Kyle Anthony Lafleur, Meghan Mary Lafleur, Thomas Patrick Flynn, Casey Patrick Flynn, Nolan Patrick Flynn & two great grandchildren: Henley Clogston & Marshall James Long & many nephews, nieces, cousins & life long friends.
A mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Friday, January 11, 2013 in Blessed Sacrament Church, 14 Elm St., Manchester, NH. Burial with military honors followed in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Bedford, NH.
Donations may be made in memory of John A. King to the Precious Blood Monastery, @ 700 Bridge Street, Manchester, NH 03104.
SHAHEEN STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF JOHN KING