John P. Boudrot

1943 - 2022

We are so sad to announce the passing of John Philip Boudrot of Exeter New Hampshire.  John, “Jon Jon”, “Popsey”, “Curmudgeon”, passed away peacefully at the age of 79 on October 26th 2022, surrounded by loved ones after complications from a battle with leukemia. 

John was a graduate of Beverly High School, after which he enlisted in the army as an aviation mechanic. He became a crew chief on the U1A Otter and advanced in rank to Sergeant and was stationed abroad in France throughout his enlistment. 

John was employed by AJ Callahan and Son’s as a plumber for over 35 years and was a member of the Plumber’s and Pipefitter’s Local Union #138.  He had been enjoying his retirement since 2005. 

John married his first Donna and had two daughters Tracey and Kristen whom he loved fiercely. As children, he would entertain their friends and later his grandchildren by scaring the living daylights out of anyone who would dare to sleep over by telling spooky stories or by taking them on moonlit walks to the cemetery to hunt for “moogoos”. He would later show any potential boyfriends his wall of taxidermy animals he hunted as a way to deter them from getting too close to his darling daughters. He eventually gained another daughter Judy and a son Joe when he met his second Donna (Donna Lee) in November of 2000 at the Franco-American Club. He welcomed his new family with open arms into his life.

John enjoyed many different activities.  In his earlier life he was dedicated to playing softball with his many friends in Salem, MA, where his family spent many evenings and weekends cheering him on. He loved playing pool with his brother-in-law Ted even though he ALWAYS lost to him.

John was also an avid sportsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping and taught his daughters and grandchildren everything they know about animals and nature.  His love for the outdoors and nature was evident as the family would spend almost every weekend camping in the summers. Much to the dismay of his daughters, John would enlist their assistance painstakingly scouring the campground for trash at the end of each trip ensuring no waste was left behind…EVER.  His hunting activities began as a young adult and progressed into his later years, including his most recent trip in August 2022 with some of his dearest friends Greg, John, and Jim whom he enjoyed immensely.  Always a proud hunter, he revered his trophies from his younger years. As he aged, his family became convinced he spent his later trips with his rifle slung over his shoulder and simply enjoyed the peace and serenity of nature and all it’s beauty.  He adamantly refuted this.

John enjoyed quality time with his family on Casco Bay in Maine, where he would teach his grandchildren how to fish and cook fresh oysters on the grill. He also enjoyed feeding his precious ducks that lived in his backyard river all year round.

When the weather allowed, John thoroughly enjoyed golfing with his friend Al and although he could never quite beat him, he did not give up trying.  One of his wishes he voiced to his oncologist immediately after being diagnosed with leukemia was to be able to get on the golf course again in the spring. He had such a positive outlook as he would say “when” and never “if”. 

One of John’s favorite places to visit was Mexico with his beloved late partner Donna Lee and had spent many vacations there.  When he wasn’t sporting a Santa hat in the pool making everyone smile because he literally looked like Santa Claus, he was yelling his trademark statement “whoooopeee”, clearly displaying his joy and love of life.

John’s smile and personality were infectious. He was quite humorous and throughout his hospitalizations was everyone’s favorite patient.  When he wasn’t walking the halls to check on the nurses, he was harassing the doctors jokingly telling them to (expletively) get out of his room. Although occasionally inappropriate, he could be reeled in with a look. His intentions were always to make people laugh and was content to be the clown they were laughing at. Throughout life he was “happy as a clam in a mud flat”. 

A service will be held at Beverly Farms Cemetery – 100 Haskell Street, Beverly Farms on November 5th at 10:00 am after which family and friends are welcome to join us for a celebration of his life at the Danversport Yacht Club in Danvers, MA, from 11 am-2 pm.

John is survived by his daughters Tracey (Eric) Bateman, Kristen (Shawn) Hillier, stepdaughter Judy Patricko, stepson Joe Patricko, grand children Spencer and Shane Bateman, Ryan, Madeline, and Emma Hillier, Shelby Pierce, and Haley Elliott, Justice Patricko, great grandchildren Peyton Suttner, Michael Elliott, Aria and Mia Patricko, siblings Paul (Ann) Boudrot, Sue (Mel) Love, and many other family and friends.   He is predeceased by his partner Donna Lee Niciewsky, mother Ida, and father John Boudrot.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in his name to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at https://www.lls.org