John J. Lydon

John J. Lydon Jr., age 92, of Salem, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 5, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born in 1933, he was the son of the late John J. Lydon Sr. and Sarah (Clarke) Lydon, and grew up in Maynard, MA, with the values of loyalty and hard work.

John was the devoted husband of the late Eva (Musumeci) Lydon, with whom he shared 47 years of marriage. When he fell in love with Eva, he also fell in love and embraced the warmth and close family bond of her Italian family culture, traditions, and of course food, especially large family Sunday dinners. He carried this proudly in his heart for the rest of his life and preserved this and practiced this with their own family. Together, they raised four beautiful children and built a home filled with love, laughter, and deep family connection. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather, adored by all.

He was the loving father of Joanne Morrison and her husband John; Michael Lydon and his wife Jarussri; and Sean Lydon and his wife Leslie, and the late Joseph Lydon. He was the cherished grandfather of Jeffrey Valcourt Jr. and his partner Briar Kerber; Evan John Valcourt and his wife Alicia; Sarah O'Hara and her husband Matthew; Matthew Lydon and Fiancée Deena Hardy; Allison Lydon; Jennifer Lydon; Jillian Lydon and Fiancé Andrew Dunklee; Joshua Lydon; Evan John Lydon; and Katie Lydon, and the proud great grandfather of Remi Valcourt; Jonathan O'Hara, Declan O'Hara; Caleb O'Hara; Logan O'Hara; Thomas O'Hara; and Tobias Dunklee. John is also survived by his dear brother Thomas Lydon and wife ToniAnn.

For nearly the last 20 years, John shared his life with his beloved partner Marlene Bedard, whose companionship brought him joy, comfort, and renewed adventure. He was warmly embraced by her family, including her sons Marc Bedard and his wife Pam; Matthew Bedard; and her grandchildren Caroline, Mollie, and Ellie Bedard, as well as his dear friend Lola Gallagher.

A proud United States Marine Corps veteran, John carried his service with honor throughout his life. He was deeply family oriented and known for his generous spirit, quick smile, sense of humor and ability to make friends wherever he went. A true social butterfly, he had a gift for connecting with people from all walks of life.

John was a lifelong fan of the Boston Celtics and New England Patriots, cheering passionately through every season. He was also the oldest and first non Italian member of the St. Alfio's Society to be given the honor of assisting on the Vara with the Three Saints during the Feast procession, a distinction he wore with pride. He was very devoted to the Three Saints and St. Alfio Society and even traveled to Sicily with them and celebrated the Feast there.

He treasured time spent at his family's summer home on Lake Winnipesaukee, where countless memories were made across generations. He loved visiting his grandson Evan's local barbershop, The Original Barbershop, multiple times weekly where he was a beloved regular and honorary fixture of the community. John also had a lifelong love of dancing, which first brought him to Eva and, years later, to Marlene, proof that joy and connection can be found at any stage of life. He always said he had been very lucky in love, twice.

One of his most cherished adventures was his trip to Ireland, with his son Michael, where he proudly kissed the Blarney Stone, embracing his heritage with the same enthusiasm he brought to every experience. John and Marlene also spent almost ten years wintering in Naples, FL, something they each always wanted but were never able to achieve until together They always included John's daughter, Joanne, for a couple of weeks each year where they all enjoyed each other, laughter, warm weather and beaches. John also weekly would take a ride to visit his son, Sean, at his bank, for assistance, but mostly to see him.

The Bedard family always included John with everything they did, all celebrations and many vacations. Their love and generosity to him was appreciated by all. John lived a long, full, and vibrant life defined by love, loyalty, and the relationships he nurtured. His presence was a blessing, his laughter unforgettable, and his legacy carried forward by the many people who loved him.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to St. Alfio's Society via: https://www.threesaintsinc.org/

Visiting Hours will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley Street, Methuen. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated the following morning, Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 10:00 am at Holy Rosary Shrine, 28 Union Street, Lawrence. Burial will follow at Immaculate Conception Cemetery.