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John Hemenway Obituary



HEMENWAY JOHN MARTIN HEMENWAY (Age 47) On April 30, 2010 of Bedford, VA. Beloved husband of 7 years to Stephanie; loving father of Andrew Branham Hemenway; devoted son of John and Betty Hemenway; beloved brother of Catherine and Edward Siewick, Jane and John Sullivan, David and Margaret Hemenway and Fielding Williams. Pre-deceased by his beloved sister Mary Joyce Hemenway Williams. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Memorial Service on Tuesday, May 4, at 4:30 p.m. at Otterville United Methodist Church, Bedford, VA. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the John M. Hemenway Camp CHILD Scholarship for special needs children c/o Bedford Primary School, 807 College Street, Bedford, VA 24523.

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Published by The Washington Post on May 4, 2010.

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Bernard Eden

May 5, 2022

So sorry to hear about this....I just found out. John and I were roommates at Duke. He was a wonderful human being. I was dating my girlfriend then (now wife of 37 years) who was a student at Campbell University.John let me borrow his wood side-paneled station wagon to go see her.....my wife and I always have fond memories of him....he will be missed!

Charles Singstad

July 9, 2015

I am heartbroken to hear this and feel deeply for your wonderful family. As a friend to the family when John and I attended Landon, we did so many fun and wacky things together. I have the fondest memories of those years. John and I did some crazy things (cleaning gutters on a 40 foot ladder while taking pictures of each other and flying R/C planes to name a couple). He was the kindest friend. Spending time with John and your entire family, including a summer campaigning in Georgia, was some of the most valuable time I had growing up.

Ignacio de Cardenas

September 8, 2014

I am so sad to hear this news. John and I worked together in the late 80's. I recently came back to the area and tried to find him. He was a great guy. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

Catherine Siewick

July 11, 2014

Here is a link to my brother's obituary published in the Washington Post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/19/AR2010051904661_5.html?nav=mbot

Catherine Siewick

April 30, 2014

Thinking of you John Martin on the fourth anniversary of your death. Thinking about you today and every day as we carry you with us in our hearts and minds. We love love love you, and love never dies. May God Bless you and keep you <3

Catherine

April 30, 2013

My dear brother,
3 years have passed since your death. In many ways it seems like so much longer, but the pain of your absence is as acute and as when we first heard the horrific and unbelievable news. We still have so many unanswered questions.
love you beyond words, your sister

March 6, 2013

6 weeks to your 50th Birthday We miss you so much our dear little brother

Catherine Siewick

April 17, 2012

Teary eyed on this GORGEOUS Spring Morn that marks the 49th birthday of my younger brother John Martin Hemenway. But I will do my best to brush aside my tears and celebrate his life and love. When I think of my brother I think of LOVE -- 1 Corinthians 13 kind of LOVE. I miss him soooo much, but my family was incredibly blessed to have a brother like John for 47 years.

Buddy Barbee

May 10, 2011

John was my office mate at Ericsson Network Systems in Richardson, Texas. He once went water skiing with my family.

I remember John as a very hard worker from a good family, a former Rugby player at Duke and an integral part of the SCCS Switching Control Center System engineering design team. I will always remember the spirited debates John would have with my ex-wife Kelly, also on the same design team, over political and other matters. My sincere condolences to his family.

Best regards,
Marion (Buddy) Barbee

August 19, 2010

John is a gentle, soulful man who touched many. I knew him both through his families' eyes and as a young man in high school. He is a guardian angel. Pattie Clark (Gainesville, Virginia)

June 26, 2010

Please accept my condolences. I just found out today of your tragic loss. God Bless.

Tom Hemenway

Holly Steuart Richardson

June 10, 2010

John and I "hung out" together in the early 80's. We hiked the Appalachian Trail, ate at the Zebra Room/ Boeymongers in DC and simply enjoyed each others company. I often referred to him as Mr. Safety, he wouldn't pull away from the curb until my seatbelt was securely fastened - that was 2 years prior to law going into effect.

We reconnected last year through our computers and I couldn't have been happier to hear of his happiness in Bedford as a father, husband and "farmer".

He will be missed by everyone that knew him.

Douglas Kim

May 27, 2010

I'm so sorry to hear the news. Rest in peace, John.

Geoff Shakespeare

May 26, 2010

John & I shared a house together with Will Boesewetter and Ken Guttenfelder in Dallas in the 1980's; he was the rock of common sense who ran the house while we did the "road warrior" thing. He was, as we say here in Ireland, a true gent, selflessly introducing an Irish stranger to the ways of Texas, making sure I was never stuck at home, doing his best to ensure I saw the best of US life and teaching me, among other things, how to change brake blocks and other bits of the dodgy car I owned. A great guy, with a huge heart, I can only imagine how he will be missed. My prayers are with you.

Cynthia Morast-Foster

May 25, 2010

I meet John while working at Ericsson. He helped me through some tough times and called regularly to see how I was doing. He was a unique individual with a wonderful heart and soul.

Will Boesewetter

May 25, 2010

John was my friend at Ericsson and we worked together in the same office. We also shared a house with Ken Guttenfelder and Geoff Shakespear; two other "road warriors" who like me were seldom there. John was the nicest, most honest man I have aver known. He will be missed greatly. My prayers are with you and the rest of the family.

May 17, 2010

Hi Stephanie,
Just heard about John reading last week's paper. He sounds like a great man, I'm sorry we never got to go hiking. I told my wife about John dying yesterday and she said you had come to mind several times in the past week! So, I know God is placing you on people's hearts - even those who have never met you.
I'll be in touch after things settle down and our family will be praying for you and Andrew.
Bill Vickery, Bedford

Mary Overman

May 14, 2010

I am so glad I was able to know John in a small way. We worked together and I always found him smiling and will remember the talks we had of my grandson and his son. What a blessed memory.

Donelle Duvall

May 11, 2010

Dear Hemenway Families,
I was a high school friend of John's and always thought highly of him. He was a man of integrity, generosity and breadth of knowledge who will be missed by all that knew and loved him. Our deepest sympathies to his wife, son and extended families.
Donelle Duvall (Geneva, Ill.)

Cyndi Racine

May 10, 2010

I worked with John for a short time when he worked in Alexandria. He was such a kind and gentle person. He always made me laugh. We joked about his fear of the "Abominable Snowman." He talked passionately about his son and wife. He often shared his honey with us. John was one of the great ones and he will be missed.

Martha Carr

May 10, 2010

Catherine, you and John and your family are all in my prayers. Our siblings hold our history like no one else in our lives. It's so wonderful to read in your messages how much you clearly loved, admired and respected your brother. Bless you all.

Michael Okuley

May 10, 2010

Although I have not known John for very long, he always struck me as an extremely intelligent person. I've known few people with such a wealth of knowledge. He loved Stephanie and Andrew and they always seemed to be at the top of his list. John, sorry your life was tragically cut short. You will be truly missed. God speed.

Catherine Hemenway Siewick

May 9, 2010

John is and always will be my younger brother. I was always such a proud big sister, and I loved him so very much. My mother always joked that she practiced on her first 4 children and finally got one perfect with John Martin!

John Martin was kind, sensitive and a hard worker. He trusted everyone and helped everyone. He had a heart of gold.

He graduated from Landon High School, Bethesda MD in 1981, and Duke University in 1985. He worked as an electrical engineer for Anderson, Erikson and Lockheed Martin. He studied law at George Mason -- while he worked. He finally became a patent lawyer which seemed to suit him very well. He married in 2003 and moved from Arlington VA to Bedford Va in 2007. Our sister Joyce died the next year, and he died less than 2 years later. They are both sorely missed.

with a lovely Aunt

Catherine Hemenway Siewick

May 9, 2010

Sister Joyce and John were so close -now they are both in Heaven

Catherine Hemenway Siewick

May 9, 2010

Older sister's graduation

Catherine Hemenway Siewick

May 9, 2010

Fancy Dress, early '80s

Catherine Hemenway Siewick

May 9, 2010

Always always helping others

Catherine Hemenway Siewick

May 9, 2010

Young John with Serendipity

Catherine Hemenway Siewick

May 9, 2010

With his best buddy sister Joyce

Catherine Hemenway Siewick

May 9, 2010

1992

Catherine Hemenway Siewick

May 9, 2010

The good old days...

Catherine Hemenway Siewick

May 9, 2010

Always loved by his 4 nephews and 5 nieces!

Catherine Hemenway Siewick

May 9, 2010

Robin Beatty

May 9, 2010

John was married to one of my dearest friends, Stephanie. I got to see him in love, become a father and fulfill his dream of living in the country. In light of such a tragic loss, I hope there is comfort in the fact that he died a very happy, loved and fulfilled man. I love you, Stephanie, and am here for you and Andrew in any way.

Kim Lang

May 8, 2010

I am very sorry for your loss and hope you find comfort in knowing that John touched many lives. He was a wonderful co-worker, always quick to share a kind word or warm smile. He will always be remembered for his generous spirit and compassionate heart. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Patsy Arnold Martin

May 8, 2010

Dear Stephanie,
Because I have been travelling so much lately, I just today heard of your tragic loss. My heart is breaking for you and Andrew.

Ann Kiernan Robb

May 7, 2010

I knew John in high school; he was a lovely person who was kind to all. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family.

Kathy LeBlanc

May 6, 2010

Dear Hemenway Family: Please accept my sympathy for the lose of your loving son, husband, father and friend to many. I am keeping your family in my prayers during this difficult time. May the memories shared with John be your comfort and keep him still close to all of you. Kathy LeBlanc, Fenton MI

Francine LaGreca

May 6, 2010

I will keep you all in my prayers~ May God comfort you and help you through this time of grief~ my heart felt sympathy for your family~

Francine LaGreca

May 6, 2010

My Heart felt Sympathy for the loss of your loved one~ May He Rest In Peace~

Jan Macidull

May 6, 2010

Dear Stephanie, Andrew and family,
John was one of those rare men whose love for his wife and son shone like sunshine. He always had a kind word and a twinkle in his eye. Smart, insightful, and down-to-earth, he was a truly selfless person. You gave him much joy. Coming your way are love, prayers, and many hugs from across the miles. Love, Jan

Jeff Smith

May 6, 2010

May the Lord comfort the Hemenway family throughout this terrible time of shock and grief.

David and Joanne Klumb

May 5, 2010

Dear Stephanie, we are so deeply saddened by your loss. Please know that our hearts go out to you and Andrew in this time of sorrow. Take care and know that the sun still shines on the other side of darkness.

Dionne Franklin

May 5, 2010

Dear Stephanie and Andrew,

I never got a chance to meet John in person only talk to him on the phone. Mostly about you Andrew. He was not only your father but he was also your champion, going all out to do everything he could to make things the best they could be for you. He was a great man and I will miss him as will so many others.

Marcia Hoffman

May 5, 2010

Cathy,

I am so sorry to hear about your brother. It sounds like he was a real gem, just like you. Sometimes we don't understand why the ones we love are taken from us so young and only God has the answer. But we have to be grateful for the precious time we did have them in our lives. My heart goes out to you, John's wife, his son, and extended family. May all of you find comfort in your fond memories of John. God bless you all.

Judith, David, Hannah and Emma FoxGrossman

May 5, 2010

We are so sorry for your tremendous loss. We send our deepest sympathy.

Anne Yoakam

May 4, 2010

When I think of John Martin I think of Jane's wedding, where Mrs. Hemenway inspired the bridesmaids to have a crush on darling John Martin. We did until we found out he supported Pat Buchanan, which was a bridge to far even for me and for sure for Rebecca. I also remember Mrs. Hemenway asking where we were from because she didn't want to print "New York" in the paper.

We love all the Hemenways and will miss your baby brother! After I heard the news, I also heard that C-SPAN would be airing 4 straight hours of Pat Buchanan, so I was sure John Martin had made it to heaven and was working on the satellites and air waves from above.

God bless John Martin!

Kim Stagliano

May 4, 2010

Steph, I'm shocked and so very sad for you and Andrew and John's family. Kim

Colin Miller

May 4, 2010

I am so saddened to hear of John's passing. He was a kind soul and everybody who grew up on our street liked him a lot. My deepest condolences to the Hemenway family.

Andy Kerr

May 4, 2010

I too remember John as being a great guy at Landon. I think he epitomized the school's values: always a man of character as well as accomplishment. He was talented at many things while also kind, funny, down to earth, and great to be around. He will be truly missed and always warmly remembered.

joan and greg conover

May 4, 2010

Our prayers and sympathy to the Hemennway family and all who loved this wonderful familyman and father.

May 4, 2010

As John's football coach at Landon, I remember him for his athletic ability, his calm leadership by example, his always being a "good guy" to all who knew him, and his ever present smile. My wife, Nancy, and I hold many fond memories of John. The entire Landon community sends condolences and prayers to the Hemenway family.
Lowell Davis

Kathleen & Mark Krause

May 4, 2010

I only met you both once, when picking up a puppy from Diane and Bill's. Please accept our sympathy during this sad time in your life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jim Kenah

May 4, 2010

Steph, my thoughts are with you and Andrew, and with your family. Please know that you are all in my prayers.

May 4, 2010

Stephanie,
My heart, thoughts and prayers are with you and Andrew at this time. Please know that the autism mom's are here for you if you need us. May faith hold you close in the coming days. Love you, Jane Brooks

Suzanne LaCosse

May 4, 2010

I have not been Blessed in ever meeting John, Stephanie and Andrew. However, Diane and Bill are friends of my husband, Bob, and myself. When Andrew was born I sent some special Medals that were Blessed by Pope John Paul II, in honor of precious little Andrew. Stephanie, Andrew, Diane & Bill, you will all remain in our prayers and the prayers of my Rosary Prayer Group that I lead. How I wish I could take away some of your pain. But, only God can and, in time, will help you all with your recovery!!! May God Bless you, each one, and hold you gently in His Loving arms!!!

Joanne Baldwin

May 4, 2010

My heart and thoughts are with you. John was a true gentleman and gentle man and he will be missed.

Josephine Cantrell

May 4, 2010

I were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of our family are with yours at this time of sorrow.

John I can still hear your voice telling me about Steph and Andrew. You found joy in Elisabeth and Charlie’s milestones. The stars shine just a little less brightly without you in the world.

Steph, I can’t believe we’re not old and wrinkly and I have to write how sorry I am for your loss. I wish I were there to hug you, because words just seem trite. Please remember, through all the good times and definitely in the bad, I’m here for you. Where ever, when ever, call me any time.

To John’s siblings and nieces and nephews, please accept my condolences for your loss. I only met you at the wedding, but I remember you still.

Steve & Margie Staniszeski

May 3, 2010

We are so saddened by the news of John's passing. We only had the opportunity to meet John a couple of times, but knew 'of' him well, from the many wonderful stories that were shared about him, over the years by his in-laws, the Klumbs.

Our hearts go out to Stephanie and Andrew and to all of John's extended family, who will surely miss this gentle, kind and loving man, that so many of you have described here.

With deepest sympanthy to all his family and friends.

Scott Merritt

May 3, 2010

I am so saddened to hear of John's passing. He was kind, sincere, hardworking and complete as a person. The world has lost an exemplar.

Renee Lessner

May 3, 2010

Dearest Stephanie,
My heart, thoughts and prayers are with you and Andrew at this time. May faith hold you close in the coming days. Love you and miss you Renee Lessner

Leslie Ponder

May 3, 2010

Stephanie,
Please know I am here for you and Andrew. I was blessed to have met John. I will never forget how great he was with our class and how he beamed seeing Andrew with his friends. I love you dearly! I am so sorry for your loss.

Carolyn Reeves Keenan

May 3, 2010

I am so saddened by this news. John was a friend both in high school and at Duke. He was one of the kindest and most gentle people I ever had the pleasure to know. I only recently got back in touch with him, and I'm so thankful that I had the opportunity to do so. He will be kept alive in our hearts and prayers.

Beth Stenson

May 3, 2010

I was so very sad to hear about John. John was one of the nicest, kindest people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. I worked with him in Alexandria. He was never too busy to answer questions and help people, regardless of how much work he had to do. I'm so very sorry for your loss.

Dennis and Lynn Tull

May 3, 2010

We have great memories of sharing the anticipation of Andrew's birth with John and Stephanie at Georgetown Medial Center and of our Christmas celebration there. We were so happy to see them again at Andrew's first birthday. We enjoyed our visits and found John and Stephanie to be a delightful couple, and Andrew, a very special boy. Our thoughts and prayers are with Stephanie, Andrew and their family at this difficult time.

Mark Peterson

May 3, 2010

John was one of those humans that made this world a better place. He lived by a set of standards and never deviated. I was fortunate enough to reconnect with John at Bill Adkins wedding and realized he was still the wholesome, honest guy I remebered from high school.My thoughts and prays go out to his family

Wendy Taylor

May 3, 2010

We are so sorry. John was a wonderful man and we thought of all of you often; we are so glad to have known him.
Rob, Wendy, Nick & Katie Taylor (Lansdale, PA)

Denise Collier

May 3, 2010

I am very saddened and shocked at this news and my thoughts and prayers are with his entire family. I worked with John in Rockville and he is without a doubt, one of the nicest people that I had the opportunity to know.

Tina Bowyer

May 3, 2010

Stephanie,
I'm so sorry for your loss. You and Andrew and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I don't really know what else to say because I didn't really know John, but Stephanie, if he was anything like you, then I know he was a wonderful man!! Whenever you come into our school, you always brighten it up with your beautiful smile and your kind words. I know that you and I are not close friends are anything, but please know that if you need anything at all, please don't hesitate to call on me!! God Bless You and Your Family.

John and nephew Fielding, NYC 1995

Catherine Hemenway Siewick

May 3, 2010

Ken Lee

May 3, 2010

I am truly saddened to hear of John's passing, my sympathy goes to all his family and friends who were fortunate enough to know him.

Staci & Jacob Tyree

May 3, 2010

We are so sorry for your loss! Our thoughts and prayers go to you and your family.

Carole Schweitzer

May 3, 2010

I am so saddened by John's passing. I knew him as a friend, neighbor, and client. In each case, he was bright, capable, and kind. He leaves a legacy as a wonderful husband and father. I will keep Andrew, Stephanie, and family in my prayers.

Tony Vella

May 3, 2010

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Scott Johnston

May 3, 2010

I am truly saddened and shocked to hear of John's passing. He will be missed. I went to Landon and Duke with John and have some great memories of rides to and from Duke and on the lacrosse field.

Alex Butterman

May 3, 2010

I am tremendously saddened and sorry to hear about John's passing. I remember John well from when we worked together at the Maryland IP firm. He was a great guy, a great coworker, superintelligent and I'm sure a great family man. I know he will be terribly missed.

Alex Butterman

Bryan Shang

May 3, 2010

I went to Duke with John and lived with him in FUBAR for three years. We played rugby and went on spring breaks together. There are so many fond memories that I carry with me from those times. How I remember the old station wagon that he drove and how it spent more time in Aamco getting transmission work than on the road. He was such a gentle giant. I am so glad that we reestablished our contact after going our seperate ways for so many years. I would extend my deepest sympathies to his family and especially to his wife and young son. May you take comfort in knowing what a wonderful person he was and how he touched all of us in so many special ways.

Tom Buckingham

May 3, 2010

I just learned of the news and I am so sorry to hear about it. John has always been a true gentleman. His warm heart and kind ways were things that made us all want to be like him. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family who he loved and cherished very much. He will live in our hearts forever.

carol karnes

May 3, 2010

stephanie my heart goes out to you .stay strong for your son .if you need anything give me a call

May 3, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Tabitha & Kameron King

Rahel Crowley

May 3, 2010

John was a lovely human being, and this was so evident from the first time we met. Am heartbroken to think of his family who now live with this enormous loss. He was a passionate soldier for so many families dealing with autism.

God bless you, and keep you John...
the lord make his face shine on you, & be gracious to you;
the lord lift up his countenance upon you, & give you peace.

My deepest sympathy to his family & many loved ones.

Bill Adkins

May 2, 2010

John was special. He was one of the most truly decent and kind people I have ever met. He was always thinking of others before himself. It is truly sad that we must soldier on without him by our side. My deepest sympathies to his fmaily.

Page Morris

May 2, 2010

I was a friend of John's from high school. I have many fond memories of John growing up but was always struck by what a kind soul he was. I spoke to him a couple of months ago and he was still the same sweet natured man. He talked non stop about his son and the love he had for his little boy was palpable. John was the type who would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He will be sorely missed.

May 2, 2010

To the entire family, our deepest sympathy.

Bob and Edna Black

John at Glacier National Park, Summer 2009

Catherine Hemenway Siewick

May 2, 2010

Meg Miller Rydzewski

May 2, 2010

John Martin was my neighbor growing up on Rodman Street. I ALWAYS knew him to be extremely kind and smart. He was extraordinary. Words cannot express the loss the world has suffered. It's hard to understand why God allowed this to happen, but it's probably because he was so good he had to have him with Him. John Martin will be terribly missed by everyone who knew him. May God bless his entire family.

Sharon Paterson Bush

May 2, 2010

John Martin was the kindest person I've ever known. His light was pure and rare. My familys thoughts and prayers are with all his family. May you find strength with each other in this very sad time.

Marco Odiaga

May 2, 2010

John was the first person whom I ever though of as a "gentle giant." I remember asking him once, half-kiddingly, how someone as "nice and mellow" as he could play varsity football. He looked at me smiled - and then chuckled somewhat devilishly. I always remember admiring John's unabashed sweetness and perpetual good nature, regardless of the situation. Being the dopey kids we were at the time - I think John came to Landon in 7th or 8th grade - we immediately dubbed him "Ernie," and he adopted it in stride. My deepest sympathy goes out to John's family - I'm sure his warm essence will envelop you always.

George Taratsas

May 2, 2010

John was the kindest, most caring and gentle person that anyone could meet and be associated with in their lifetime. He was a rare treasure... His passing is a deeply sad event not only for his family but for anyone that was lucky enough to have known him. With deepest sympathy to his entire family and friends.

Mimi Larsen

May 2, 2010

I'm so sorry for this deep sadness upon deep sadness. My thoughts and prayers are with all in the family.

Robert Kim

May 2, 2010

I attended Landon with John - he was a terrific guy. I'm deeply saddened by his passing, and my family's thoughts and prayers are with you and yours on this sad occasion.

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