Longtime chef at Heathwood Retirement Home in Newton

Published November 26, 2020

TEWKSBURY— John A. Ahern, 65, of Quail Run, Tewksbury, and formerly of North Reading, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020.

He was the loving husband of 32 years of Ellen (Duggan) Ahern.

Born in Melrose on May 14, 1955, he was the son of the late Daniel Jr. and Grace C. (Proctor) Ahern, of Voke Street in North Reading.

John graduated from North Reading High School, Class of 1973, where he was a gymnast and cross-country runner. Later continuing his education at Salem State College, he graduated in 1977 with a B.S. in Business.

During these years, he worked at the Thomson Country Club in North Reading in the kitchen. He decided to switch careers to food service, working as a chef at the Heathwood Retirement Home in Newton for the next 35 years.

John was an outgoing man, enjoying skiing, racquetball and golf. His love for golf started when he worked as a caddy at the Hillview Country Club in North Reading.

John was an avid reader and enjoyed a friendly discussion. In retirement, he enjoyed gardening and flower arrangements.

He will be missed by his family: his wife Ellen and their dog Maggie Mae; his siblings Patricia, Dan and Mary; and his Duggan siblings Mary, Timmy, Patty, James and Melissa. He touched the lives of many; his aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. We will miss him dearly.

His funeral services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society, 3 Speen St., Suite 250, Framingham, MA 01701. www.cancer.org. Arrangements are by the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow St., North