John Harris Hayes

John Harris Hayes, age 82, a long-time resident of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2026, with his wife and daughter by his side.

John was born on March 30, 1943, in Chelsea, Massachusetts, and was the cherished son of the late John and Doris G. (Butler) Hayes. He was raised in Jamaica Plain as the oldest of five children, a role he carried with pride throughout his life. John was especially proud to be known as a "triple eagle," having graduated from Boston College High School and Boston College, where he earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees in business administration.

John began his professional career in marketing at Gillette, where his creativity, dedication, and strong work ethic were invaluable assets. He later continued his marketing career at BASF, a time he greatly enjoyed. In 1998, John found his true calling when he became a Business and Marketing teacher at Burlington High School. He took great pride in teaching his students and valued the camaraderie of his fellow educators. John dedicated many meaningful years to Burlington High School before retiring.

In June of 1973, John married "the love of his life," Noreen M. (Marison) Hayes. The couple lived in Quincy before settling in Wilmington in the early 1980s, where they built a warm and welcoming home. In 1983, they joyfully welcomed their daughter, Sarah. John was a devoted and loving husband and father, but his greatest joy came with becoming "Papa." His world was complete when spending time with his grandchildren, Jacob and Emma, and he cherished attending their special events and visits.

A true sports enthusiast, John was a long time season ticket holder for his beloved Boston College football team. He also enjoyed cheering on New England sports teams, especially the Patriots and the Red Sox.

John loved to travel with Noreen and treasured their many adventures together. Summers at their cottage on Beaver Lake in New Hampshire were especially dear to him. Their travels took them to remarkable destinations, including Egypt and Rome, Italy, which he found breathtaking. Aruba held a special place in John's heart; it was his favorite destination, one he always remembered as being "just perfect, everything was perfect."

John will be remembered as a wonderful man with a larger-than-life personality, a warm smile, a joke to tell and a generous heart. He will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate to know and love him.

John was the beloved husband of Noreen M. Hayes; devoted father of Sarah Souza and her husband Patrick of Billerica; loving "Papa" to Jacob Souza and Emma Souza; and dear brother of Mary Alice Hantout and her husband Abe of Jamaica Plain, Eleanor Cooney and her husband Jim of Alexandria, VA, Frances Hayes of California, and Jane Hayes-McKeirnan and her husband Mark of Oregon. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Family and friends are invited to gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Route 62), Wilmington, on Wednesday, January 21st at 9:30 a.m., immediately followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington, at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. Visiting hours will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, January 20th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.