Antoine N. "Tony" Hajjar

Antoine N. "Tony" Hajjar, age 72, of Methuen, passed away on Sunday, July 6, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of generosity, strength, and unwavering love. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, mentor, uncle, and friend, Tony touched countless lives with his larger-than-life presence and boundless heart.
Born in 1953 on the Ivory Coast in Africa, Tony was the cherished son of the late Naim and Ramza (Habib) Hajjar. He carried with him the values of hard work, compassion, and resilience that would define his life and the many roles he played within his family and community.
Tony met the love of his life, Nancy E. (McGovern) Hajjar, in 1985, and together they built a life rooted in love, laughter, and deep devotion to family. He was the proud and loving father of TJ Hajjar and his wife Jaime, and George Hajjar and his wife Hayley, both of Salem, NH. His greatest joy came from being a Jido to his four beloved granddaughters: Angelina, Aaliyah, Lilah, and Mila, who brought light and laughter to his every day.
He was a loyal brother to George Hajjar and his wife Sarah, Georgette Bejjani, and Elie Hajjar, and was predeceased by his brother Maurice Hajjar. Tony was a beloved uncle to many but he shared a particularly special bond with his niece Erin and her four sons, Anthony, Ricky, Jacob, and Caleb, who looked up to him as a hero, and he leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Tony's passion for sports and mentorship led him to become a volleyball coach and referee, where he made a profound impact on the lives of countless young athletes. He was more than a coach, a guide, a cheerleader, and a safe place for kids who needed someone to believe in them. Whether it was paying their way to volleyball camp, giving rides to practice, or simply listening and encouraging them, Tony helped young people see their worth and realize their potential.
After retiring in 2019, Tony found a new purpose working at his son's gym, Drive Custom Fit, where his presence became a cornerstone of the community. His warmth, humor, and strength inspired everyone who walked through the doors.
At home, Tony was a man of many talents. He was an excellent cook, known for hosting unforgettable holiday gatherings, especially Thanksgiving, which he made into a feast of food and family. He loved gardening, sitting by the pool, and sharing meals with those he loved, and hosting volleyball tournaments and cookouts at his home with all his boys that he coached over a 20 year span His joy was infectious, his laughter unforgettable, and his appetite for life unmatched.
He was known by many names throughout his life. To his kids he was Dad. To his friends, he was Tony. To so many he was uncle. On the sidelines, he was Coach. In the community, he was Big T. But the name that meant the most, the one that touched his heart unlike any other, was Jido. That name wasn't just a title. It was his legacy. It was love. It was everything he ever wanted to be.
Tony's legacy will live on in the lives he touched, the lessons he taught, and the love he gave so freely. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be made in Tony's memory to helping the wonderful kids of Lawrence and their volleyball program via the provided link: https://elitezvolleyball.sportngin.com/register/form/550376046
Tony's Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley Street, Methuen. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated the following morning, Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 11:00 am at St. Lucy's Parish, 254 Merrimack St, Methuen. Burial to follow at Immaculate Conception Cemetery.