DUE TO THE SNOWSTORM, THE MEMORIAL SERVICE WILL BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15th at 1:00 PM at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME.
John F. Lyons, 78, died Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at Bridges by EPOCH Memory Care Facility, Nashua, NH. At his peaceful passing, he was comforted by the love of his life, his wife, Patricia (Yamello) Lyons.
John was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts May 18, 1944, the son of William and Florence. He graduated from Haverhill High School in 1962 and later graduated from Northern Essex Community College and Merrimack College in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.
While attending a CYO National Convention in November 1963, John met the woman of his dreams, Patty from Everett, Massachusetts. The two would go on to marry at the Immaculate Conception Church in Everett in December 1966.
John began his impressive career as an electrical engineer for Sanders Associates in Nashua, New Hampshire, June 1967. In 1968, he joined Raytheon Company as an electrical engineer in their Missiles & Defense Systems. He remained at Raytheon for the duration of his esteemed career until he retired in 2011. While at Raytheon, John was regarded as a talented expert in his field and had the opportunity to work on some of the most prestigious projects including working on both the Hawk and Patriot Missiles. He often traveled to White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico where he had the unique opportunity of testing missiles he helped design. John and his family moved to Tehran, Iran, where John continued his work for Raytheon. Upon returning to the United States, John worked at several of the Massachusetts and Nashua Raytheon facilities.
John was most devoted to his family. He was the proud father of four children, John, Bryan, Elizabeth, and Mark. For their benefit, he helped establish the City of Nashua soccer league (Soccer is a Kick in the Grass) and coached their teams often to championships. John was also a proud Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus. Additionally, he served on the Board of Trustees of Northern Essex Community College for many years. He enjoyed running, taught Sunday School, regularly gave back to his community, and always offered a helping hand to anyone in need.
John was always the quintessential handyman and even created his own bug zapper, which was so effective and popular they were eventually sold in local hardware stores and boat marinas. John’s pride and joy was maintaining his lawn to professional golf ready perfection, and tending to his sparkling, clean swimming pool while sipping on his ever present can of Budweiser. John (aka Budman) also loved to travel with his family. John was best known for his relaxed and kindly temperament and for always being a gracious gentleman.
John is survived by his wife of 56 years, Pat, his children, John of Nashua, Serena (Bergeron) Lyons, of Nashua, Beth and Robert Schneider of Merrimack, and Mark and Jennifer (Giaimo) Lyons of Phoenix, AZ, his five beloved grandchildren, Kathleen Lyons Johnson (and husband Dylan), Christopher, Nicholas, Christina, and Vincent, and his brothers William (and wife Shirley) of Lancaster, PA, David (and wife Betsy) of Hill City, SD, Gerard of Atkinson, NH, sister-in-law Beverly (Johnson) Lyons of Chelmsford, MA. He is also survived by cherished cousins, Jean and Arthur Towne of South Hamilton, MA, Marge and Peter Gajeski of Wenhem, MA, and Jack and Christy Scott of Hamilton, MA. John is also leaving behind many other family and friends, 40+ nephews and nieces, some of whom have preceded him in death. John is being welcomed into heaven by his adored son, Bryan, who also preceded him in death in 2020.
Calling hours will be Monday, March 13, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. A memorial service will be held on WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15th at 1:00 PM at the Farwell Funeral Home. A celebration of life reception will be held at the Doubletree by Hilton, Nashua following the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Alzheimer’s Support Group – Attn: Kevin Flynn, 172 Kinsley Street, Nashua, NH 03060 or a charity of your choice. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com
