J. Anthony Evans

J. Anthony “Tony” Evans, 87, of Allenstown, passed away peacefully at home with Margaret “Peggy”, his wife of 63 years, by his side on March 1, 2026. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, he lived a full and generous life.

Tony grew up in Utica, New York, alongside his two brothers, Michael (Helen) Evans and Stuart (Joan) Evans. He is predeceased by his loving parents, Emlyn and Catherine Gorman Evans, who instilled in him the values of kindness, hard work, and integrity.

Tony met Peggy, the love of his life, in middle school and connected again after college at the wedding of mutual friends. Afterward, a group of them continued the merriment at a local dive bar, which marked the beginning of their enduring relationship.

Tony attended Union College, where he earned an AB and met lifelong friends. He later received his M.Ed. from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. His love for literature and analysis led him to an early career as an English teacher, first at the Thomas More School in Harrisville, NH where he served as English Department Chairman, coach of multiple sports, and Director of Athletics; later at the Derryfield School in Manchester, NH as English Department Chairman and coach. He was admired by his students for his warmth, wit, and ability to inspire.

In the mid-1970s, he embarked on a new professional chapter in financial services with Northwestern Mutual, Connecticut Mutual, and MassMutual Financial Group where he served as the Brokerage Director for Northern New England. Tony was a Chartered Life Underwriter and a Chartered Financial Consultant. He was a past president of the Manchester Association of Life Underwriters and served on the boards of the NH chapters of the Society of Financial Service Professionals and the International Association of Financial Planners. Tony helped his clients secure their financial future with insurance, investments, and financial planning solutions.

Service to others defined much of Tony’s life and he devoted countless hours to his community. At St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Manchester, NH, he served for many years as a lector and Eucharistic Minister and was also president of the Parish Council for a time. Tony was also past president and a board member of New Horizons for NH and served on the boards of Serenity Place, Heritage United Way, and the Human Services Council of Greater Manchester. He also served on the Harrisville and Keene Regional School Boards. Tony’s love of sports led him to co-found the Manchester North Soccer League and coach baseball in the Manchester North Little League and American Legion Post 79.

Upon retirement, Tony enjoyed additional leisure time but didn’t slow down. Tony and Peggy traveled more, including extended trips to western regions of the United States and spending winter months in Cocoa Beach, FL. He relished being a Granite State Ambassador, sharing his love of NH with tourists and visitors at the State House in Concord and the Manchester Airport. Tony was a gifted photographer whose creativity and love for nature and travel shone through every image he captured. He worked closely with the Ash Street Group Photography Club.

Tony was happiest surrounded by family and friends. He is survived by his devoted wife; his two brothers; his children Cathy (Kevin) Miller, Peter (Adrienne) Evans, and Michael (Ellen) Evans; his eight grandchildren Zachary (Emily), Emily, Matthew, Nicholas, Julia, Emma, Michael, and Jack; great-grandson Riley, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Tony leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and devotion to family and community. He will be deeply missed and remembered for his kindness, strength of character, and the example he set for all who knew him.

SERVICES: A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026, at St. Catherine of Siena Parish, 207 Hemlock Street, Manchester at 10:30am. Inurnment will be private in the spring. There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Tony’s name to FRAXA Research Foundation, 10 Prince Place, Suite 203, Newburyport, MA 01950-2657 or online at www.fraxa.org.