John E. Herard

John E. Herard, 83, of North Oxford and formerly of Auburn, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 13, 2025 after a brief illness, with his loving family by his side.

John was born in Worcester, son of the late Archibald and Estelle (Brown) Herard. He was raised alongside his two brothers in Auburn, and attended the Auburn schools, where he was Captain of the basketball team. John graduated from Auburn High School with the Class of 1960. He furthered his education at the former Accounting School of New England, prior to enlisting in the U.S. Army. John served his country proudly, before transferring to the Reserves and returning home. He began his career in Sales at Reed & Prince Manufacturing in Worcester, then branched off in the 1980's to work for himself. John was successful as a direct sales rep for multiple international companies, then retired at 67.

He was a sports fanatic and followed all the New England teams religiously. John was very competitive and loved to shoot pool, and play pitch, poker, and many other card games.

John was a lifelong member of the Auburn/Webster Lodge of Elks and the Chester P. Tuttle American Legion Post.

John leaves his loving family: his wife of 37 years, Alina "Kristina" (Makowski) Herard, of North Oxford; his sons, Steven J. Herard and his wife Karen, and Michael J. Herard and his wife Kara, all of Auburn; his grandson, Joseph Herard, also of Auburn; his stepson, Michael Niksa and his wife Mindy, and their children, Brody, Blake, and Mylah; and his brother, Harold Herard. He also leaves behind his brothers-in-law, Jerry Makowski and his wife Rosa, and their children, Jerry, Jr. and Crystal; Ted Makowski and his wife Bozena, and their children Kasia and Paul; his sister-in-law, Elizabeth Kamienowski and her husband John, and their children Jack and Asia; along with many beloved extended family members.

Sadly, he was predeceased by his son, John M. Herard, who passed in May of this year; and his brother, Richard Herard.

Services will be held privately for the Herard family, with the assistance of the Britton-Wallace Funeral Home.