John H. Maxner

John (Jack) H. Maxner, 83 of Peabody, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 25, 2025. Born and raised in Beverly, he was the son of the late John H. Maxner and Dorothy (Doerr) Maxner.
Jack graduated from Beverly High School and went on to earn his teaching degree from Springfield College. He began his teaching career in Vermont and, after many dedicated years in education, retired in 1982 from Knock Middle School in Newburyport.
Jack found immense joy in teaching middle school-"the most pivotal years," as he was often heard saying. In addition to teaching, he coached hockey, football, and track, and led a summer program called Sea Go, where he inspired students to discover the wonders of the ocean. After retiring from teaching, Jack joined the family business at Dawson's Hardware in Beverly, later working at the Topsfield location, where he remained until his retirement in 2019.
Jack had a lifelong love of sports. He had been a proud season ticket holder for the New England Patriots since 1993 and shared countless Red Sox and Bruins games with his daughter Michelle. Together, they built lasting memories cheering on their favorite teams. An avid golfer, Jack enjoyed many years on the greens with friends and family at the Wenham Country Club. He was also a passionate softball player, beginning his playing days in Salem at the Willows with Gayney's Bombers and continuing well into his later years. Jack ended his remarkable softball career at the age of 79, playing in the men's league in Topsfield.
Jack also loved the ocean. Growing up on Woodbury Street, one of his first jobs was as a lifeguard at Dane Street Beach. He and his siblings spent many joyful years sailing 110s from the Jubilee Yacht Club in Beverly to Marblehead. His favorite place was his home on Wings Neck in Pocasset, where he spent summers with his beloved family-sharing his favorite meals, playing cribbage, watching boats go by during the day, and enjoying the beautiful sunsets each evening.
Jack is survived by his daughter, Michelle Thissell of North Andover, his former wife and good friend, Linda (Dawson) Maxner, his cherished Grandsons, Jacob and Joshua, his brothers, Stephen Maxner and his wife Joyce of West Tisbury, and Jeffrey Maxner and his wife Margaret (Peggy) of Beverly Farms, his sisters Judy Page of Rockport and Debbie Maxner of Beverly, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his brother, Richard Maxner of Marblehead.
A Celebration of Life will be at Michael's Harborside, Newburyport on Thursday, November 6th from 4 to 8pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in John's memory to Greater Beverly YMCA Annual Scholarship Fund 254 Essex St, Beverly, MA 01915. Arrangements by Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly. Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com