John J. Coates

HUBBARDSTON - John Joseph Coates (66) of Hubbardston, MA, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 31st. He leaves behind his wonderful wife of 36 years, Marie (Flynn) Coates, his three children - son Kevin Coates of Somerville, MA, daughter Kayla Coates and her fiancé Chad Charbonneau of Baldwinville, MA and son Daniel Coates of Quincy, MA. He leaves behind his siblings, brother Michael Coates and wife Lauren Coates of Burlington, MA, brother Stevie Coates and wife Kathy Coates of Portsmouth, ME, sister Susie Sullivan and husband Patrick Sullivan of North Reading, MA, and brother Daniel Coates and wife Johanna Coates of Blairsville, GA and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Albert (Buddy) Coates and Joan Coates of Belmont, MA.

John graduated from Belmont High School and immediately joined the Army. He served for 3 years. He became a Military Police Officer, part of the Criminal Investigation Division. He worked and went to college after serving in the army. He got his Bachelor's Degree at UMASS Boston in Criminal Justice and after working at UMASS, became a police officer in Freeport, ME. He then landed a position in Harvard, MA and became the longest serving police officer for the town. He was a police officer for 29 years and a total of 33 years in law enforcement.

He was an avid hiker and walker and enjoyed leading hikes in his hiking group. John had a great love of the outdoors and would be found often times out gardening, planting or feeding the birds (which he would fondly call "Candy with Wings"). He loved action, thriller and Sci-Fi shows and films, cooking a homemade spaghetti sauce and reading books or watching videos pertaining to anything related to nature and hiking trails.

He loved his family with his whole heart. He was their rock, go to person, their provider, storyteller, prankster and ray of light.

John, Johnny, Dad, Sergeant C, will be greatly missed. His love and generosity will be remembered by all.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, June 14th from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street in Holden. A memorial service with military honors will follow at 1:00 PM in the funeral home. Family and friends are kindly invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Harvard Police Department or, plant a flower, tree or bush in your garden in honor of his memory.