John Harvell Moody [“Doc” to many] passed away on November 6, 2022 at High Pointe House in Haverhill, MA due to complications from Covid. John was surrounded by his loving wife Judy and close family.
After completing four years with the United States Air Force. John began his career in education as an elementary teacher at Cutler School in Swanzey, NH. In 1975 he became a teaching principal in Westmoreland, NH followed by a principalship in Marlborough, NH. In 1981 he joined the Salem NH school district as Principal of Woodbury School and later Assistant Superintendent of Schools. In 2002 he became Superintendent of Schools in Derry, NH. In retirement John filled an interim vacancy as Derry Town Administrator, became Program Director of Educational Administrator Programs at Rivier University and served as Interim Superintendent of Schools for the Hollis-Brookline School Districts.
The educational community has recognized John for his dedication and performance as an educational leader throughout his career. He was awarded the Drenan Alumni Service Award from Keene State College; the Excellence in Education Award from the US Department of Education; and the New Hampshire Healthy Kids Foundation award. John was honored with the New Hampshire School Administrators Association’s Outstanding Service Award. In addition, he received the Director’s Choice Award from the Derry Chamber of Commerce.
He began his educational training at Keene State College earning Bachelor and Master of Education degrees. He received a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Education from the University of New Hampshire.
John served as the alumni trustee for Keene State College on the University System of New Hampshire Board of Trustees; Keene State College Alumni Board of Directors; President of Nutfield Senior Center Corporation; NH Association of School Principals; NH Association of School Administrators; NH Public Television Board of Directors; Primex Board; United Way of Merrimack Valley; and Grants Committee chair of the Alexander Eastman Foundation. His great love was being a member of the Derry Village Rotary.
John will always be remembered for his intellect, sense of humor, smile and kind-hearted demeanor. He had an intense yearning to learn. Education and teaching others came natural to him. He was known as the “Energizer Bunny of Education” for his dedication and work ethic. John vowed to make learning fun.
He enjoyed winter vacationing in Florida and summers around his pool. He loved to cook, practice photography, garden and was an avid reader. He so loved his Patriots!
John is predeceased by his parents Maurice and Alice Moody, brothers Robert and Maurice,Jr. and Sister Carolyn Ranney. He is survived by his wife and best friend Judy. They were married for 57 years. He is also survived by his brother Stephen Moody, sister Diane Flechtner; and
sister-in-laws Betty Moody and Nancy Moody. He was so loved by his nieces, nephews and God children. A special shout out to his special “son” Brian Burnham.
There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be held at Barka Elementary School, 21 Eastgate Road, Derry, NH on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at 11 am. Peabody Funeral Homes is assisting with arrangements. Burial will be private at the NH State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH
Several years ago John and Judy established the Moody Scholarship Endowment Fund at Keene State College designed to assist students struggling financially complete their education. Contributions in John’s name can be made to Keene State College, Keene Endowment Association, 229 Main Street, Keene, NH. 03035-2701.
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