John W. Meehan of Milton, MA left this earthly realm on August 31, 2023, after a strenuous battle with pneumonia, COVID, and heart failure. He was 80 years old. He was surrounded by many loved ones as he passed. He received amazing care at Newton-Wellesley Hospital and South Shore Hospital over the past several years, including exceptional love and care from Dr. James Todd and Dr. Marcus Semel.
Born in Pittsfield, MA, John was the son of the late John Meehan Sr. and the late Betty (Bates) Meehan. He graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1961 and went on to earn a BA and an MBA from the University of Massachusetts. He worked in accounting and finance for many companies throughout his career and met some of his best friends along the way.
John often reminisced about his idyllic childhood in the Berkshires where he sailed and swam in Lake Pontoosuc, rode his bike all over town, served as an altar boy, and played baseball and football. This passion for sports continued throughout his life and he was an avid fan of the Red Sox, the Bruins, and Boston College Football. He also coached many youth sports teams and tried to attend every game his grandchildren played and was always the loudest and often most outrageous fan in the bleachers.
John was devoted to his family. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Kelly Hart Meehan; his mother-in-law, Marion Hart, of Milton, MA; his brothers Chris Meehan (Kathy Meehan) of Lanesborough, MA and Michael Meehan of Pittsboro, NC, and his sister Kerry (Meehan) Lane Mazur (Bill Mazur) of Vero Beach, FL. His children and grandchildren spent many Sundays and holidays around the dinner table enjoying food prepared by their father and Papa. His large family included his children, Shaun Meehan (Kim Meehan) and their children Alli, Matt, Ava, and Mia, of Norfolk, MA; Colleen Meehan Smith, of Millis, MA, and her sons Shane Smith of Millis, MA and Ryan Smith (Sydney Dewey), of Natick, MA; Jessica (Meehan) Erickson (Mark Erickson), and their sons Miles, and Maceo, of Canton, MA; Jermaine Smith Meehan of Frederick, MD; Tanika Meehan, of Fall River, MA and her sons Taivon Meehan of Fall River, MA, and K’Shaun Meehan, of Milton, MA; Nikea (Meehan) Stone, and her daughter Kaida Souza, of Fond du Lac, WI. He also adored his dogs Reilly and Daisy. There are also favorite nieces, nephews, and cousins too numerous to add, but loved, nonetheless.
If you knew John Meehan, you knew he could be a bit of a curmudgeon and never wanted a formal wake or funeral. The family has decided instead to host a Celebration of Life on Saturday, September 9, 2023, from 11am–2pm at the Italian American Club, Dedham, MA. Details can be found at www.evite.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his name to Angell Animal Medical Center, MSPCA, an organization near and dear to his heart.