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John Meserve Obituary
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Born on October 8, 1947, in Dover, N.H., John was the son of the late Edward and Thelma (Drury) Meserve. He grew up in Somersworth and graduated from Somersworth High School. He worked as an accident reconstructionist, investigating the cause of motor crashes, first for the State of New Hampshire before working for himself for most of his career. He started his career as a journalist, working for Foster's Daily Democrat in Dover. Known for his technical skill and dedication, John took great pride in his work and the reputation he built over the years.
In addition to his private sector work, John participated in state and local politics, holding positions on the Somersworth City Council before serving as mayor and as a member of the N.H. House of Representatives.
John loved sports and worked as a high school football referee for many years. He instilled a love of all things Boston sports into his kids. The Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins have lost a dedicated and passionate fan. He also loved to travel, having visited all 50 states and criss-crossed the country on road trips countless times.
John was an active member of Dover Elks Lodge 184 and past Secretary and ER at Kona Elks Lodge 2616.
John is survived by his children, Hillary Meserve of Newfields, N.H.; Jason Meserve and his wife, Amy, of Amherst, N.H.; his nephew, Christopher Phelps, of Fulton, Indiana; and his companion of many years, Arlene Towne, of Kona, Hawaii. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Kathleen Meserve, and other beloved family members.
Friends and family are called to visit from 10 AM - 12 PM on Saturday, May 10, 2026 at Tasker Funeral Home, 621 Central Ave, Dover, NH 03820. A memorial service will be at 12 PM on Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Pine Hill Cemetery in Dover. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to The Jimmy Fund or the Alzheimer's Association.
To share a memory or leave an online condolence, please visit www.taskerfuneralservice.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Ray
May 5, 2025
John was my good friend and fellow NHFOA football official. I´m saddened by his passing and thankful for his friendship.
Mike Donovan
May 4, 2025
Dear Meserve Family,
I was very sorry to hear about John. He and I were in school together from first grade to high school graduation. He was a talented and bright person, and I know he will be missed. I ran into John in the 1990's when I worked in Boston, and we had a chance to catch up on our lives. He told me about his work on accident reconstruction. A few months later I saw him on CNN explaining his analysis of Princess Di's automobile accident. He was good at what he did. I also remember his parents and his sister. I did not know his sister passed away, so you have my sympathy on her death as well. Take care.
George Guilmette
April 23, 2025
Rest in peace my friend you will be missed.
Rick Phelps
April 23, 2025
My deepest sympathy to Hillary and Jason on the death of John. His infectious personality will be missed. Love to all.
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