John Hughan was tragically taken from us too soon when he was killed in a car accident. John was born in Boston, MA and lived in South Boston until he was 5 years old. He attended the Park Street Pre-School in Boston. He moved to Norwell and attended the William Gould Vinal Elementary School. During his years in elementary school he enjoyed learning new sports, learning to play the trumpet, and participated in Cub Scout Pack 66.

John continued school at Norwell Middle School where he worked hard to excel academically. His love for lacrosse and soccer strengthened over these years. John was part of the Laxachusetts club lacrosse program beginning in third grade. He was looking forward to starting high school and being part of his Laxachusetts 2028 team as well as part of the Norwell High School team. John's love for soccer grew in seventh grade and he decided he wanted to play more with the goal of playing in High School. He had just started tryouts at Norwell High School and was so excited to play with his classmates.

John had a natural talent for music and playing the trumpet. He worked hard over the years to improve and was selected to play in the Massachusetts Music Education Association Southeastern District Honor Band and the Southeastern Massachusetts School Bandmasters Association Honor Band in both seventh and eighth grade. He participated in the Bridgewater State Middle School Honor Band in seventh and eighth grade, too. John loved all genres of music, and we would often catch him singing and humming along to songs.

John was a member of the United Church of Christ Norwell. He participated in the music program since he was five years old, starting in Cherub Chimes, then playing the bells in Rockin' Ringers, and performing trumpet solos. He had just completed his confirmation and enjoyed participating in numerous service events over the years.

John was part of Boy Scout Troop 38 in Hanover, Massachusetts. He had recently achieved his Life Rank and was working to become an Eagle Scout. He wanted to build an outdoor classroom at Norwell Middle School for his Eagle Scout project.

John spent his summers on Cape Cod. He loved sailing, golf, and being on the family powerboat. John spent many summers racing Optis and met so many friends from different yacht clubs on Cape Cod. He started sailing 420s and was looking forward to racing more next summer with his friends at Chatham Yacht Club. John spent many hours on the golf course. His golf game really improved, and his goal was to one day soon beat his Dad. His weekends were often filled with family days on the powerboat heading over to Hyannis, Nantucket, or just putting around Bass River. John spent most days on the water and always had a smile.

John was a conversationalist. He could and would talk with anyone. From an early age, he believed everyone wanted to talk with him. He was curious, always asking lots of questions. He was a friend with whom you could chat. He would try to make you laugh, make you feel heard, and make you feel important. His friends and classmates describe him as kind, always with a smile.

John was a wonderful big brother. He was proud of his sister Emmeline's accomplishments. He would watch her sporting events, cheer her on the sailing race course, and be beaming when she succeeded. He was always trying to teach her how to improve her lacrosse game, talk about sailing racing strategies, and they would battle it out in the front yard playing soccer. They had a special bond, trust, and reliance on each other.

John was the most amazing son. As parents we could not be any prouder of the young man he had become. He was talented, gifted, kind, and loved beyond words. His mom hugged him every day, sometimes having to chase him out the door to make sure she got her hug.

As his life was taken far too soon, he will be remembered for how hard he worked at everything he did, the love and kindness that emanated through him, and his compassion for his friends and family.

John was predeceased by his grandparents Cornelius A. Bottomley Sr. and Dorothy Bottomley. He leaves behind parents Peter and Allison Hughan and sister Emmeline Hughan of Norwell, MA; grandparents Gregory Hughan and K. Lynn Hughan of Hopkinton, NH; Uncle C. Allen Bottomley Jr. and Aunt Jane Bottomley of Hanover, MA; Uncle Seth Greenblott and Aunt Susan Greenblott of Hopkinton, NH; Uncle Jeff Cole and Aunt Katherine Cole of Canterbury, NH; cousins including C.A. Haraden Bottomley, III, McKenzie Bottomley, Sally Greenblott, Lucy Greenblott, Lyra Cole, and Reya Cole.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on September 21, 2024, 10am at the United Church of Christ in Norwell, MA. Satellite Livestream locations will include First Parish of Norwell and the Cushing Center in Norwell.

IMPORTANT UPDATE:

The Family is looking forward to celebrating John's life with family and friends on Saturday. All seats at the UCC have been reserved. The family kindly asks that those who do not have reserved seats at the UCC, please proceed to the either the First Parish Church, 24 River Street, Norwell or to the Cushing Center, 673 Main Street., Norwell where the community may be together to watch the service as a sign of the love for John and the support for his family. Following the service, the family hopes all will join them at The Range, 306 Whiting St., Hingham, MA. 02043.

The family is creating a foundation to honor John's wonderful life and interests that will support music, athletics, and service activities for youth. Tax-deductible donations for the foundation can be made to UCC Norwell P.O. BOX 501 Norwell, MA 02061. IMPORTANT-Please note on the check that the funds should be allocated to the "John W. Hughan Foundation." Once the foundation is fully established and 501(c) status is obtained, donated funds will be transferred to the foundation. Please make checks payable to the UCC.

Online donations can be made here:

Give Online- John W Hughan Foundation - UCC Norwell Directed Gifts- John W Hughan Foundation