John J. Aiken Sr.

1932 - 2021

AIKEN, John J. Sr. Age 89, of Billerica, formerly of Arlington, beloved partner of Susan Hutchinson, and former spouse Nancy Aiken of Winchester, passed away peacefully at the Sawtelle Hospice House in Reading, MA on Nov. 2, 2021. He was born and raised in East Arlington, MA in the Acre Farms on January 1, 1932. Son of the late Judson and Helen (Regan) Aiken, 5 brothers and sisters, Eleanor Jonasson of St. Petersburg, Florida, the late Edward Aiken of Bedford, NH, Donald Aiken of Arlington, Jean O'Connor of Woburn, and the late Paul Aiken of Arlington.

John was a goal tender for many hockey teams starting at Arlington High School, Arlington Arcadians, Boston College, West Point Military Academy, Boston University and backup goal tender to the NHL Boston Bruins from 1953 to 1964. John played for the Montreal Canadians one night in Boston Garden when Canadians goalie Jacque Plante was injured. John also often practiced with the Canadians and the Toronto Maple Leafs.

John worked for the Air Force at Hanscom AFB for 36 years, primarily at the Electronic Systems Division as lead software manager and then Program Manager for various Air Defense Surveillance Systems.

John was also an avid card player (poker, blackjack and bridge), and took up golfing upon retirement (even got a hole in one). John was a very social person who coached little league baseball, was one of the founding fathers of the Arlington Hockey Association, member of the Arlington Touchdown Club, and Billerica Elks. He had multitudes of friends. One of his favorite movies was Mamma Mia. He loved Lake Winnipesaukee, Gloucester, Vermont, Florida and Aruba.

John was predeceased by his son David Aiken, of Arlington and is survived by his beloved sons James Aiken and wife Kim, of Lexington; Dr. John Aiken, Jr. and wife Mary of Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin; and daughter-in-law, Suzanne Aiken of Wakefield. He is also survived by, and very proud of, his nine beloved grandchildren Alison, Joseph, Thomas, Ted, Ashley, Jared, Nicole, Amanda and David, Jr., as well as 4 adorable great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of John's Life will be held at a later date. If desired, donations may be made to a favorite charity.