About John

John W. Hughan was born in Boston, MA to loving parents, Peter and Allison. They all lived happily in South Boston until he was 5 years old. While there, he attended the Park Street Preschool. John became a big brother at the age of 3.5 to his siter Emmeline. When the family moved to Norwell, John attended the William Gould Vinal Elementary School where he enjoyed learning new sports, learning to play the trumpet, and participated in Cub Scout Pack 66.

John continued his education at Norwell Middle School where he worked hard to excel academically. His love for lacrosse and soccer strengthened over these years. John was part of the Laxachusetts club lacrosse program beginning in third grade. He was looking forward to starting high school and being part of his Laxachusetts 2028 team as well as part of the Norwell High School team. John’s love for soccer grew in seventh grade and he decided he wanted to play more with the goal of playing in High School. He had just started tryouts at Norwell High School and was so excited to play with his classmates.

John had a natural talent for music and playing the trumpet. He worked hard over the years to improve and was selected to play in the Massachusetts Music Education Association Southeastern District Honor Band and the Southeastern Massachusetts School Bandmasters Association Honor Band in both seventh and eighth grade. He participated in the Bridgewater State Middle School Honor Band in seventh and eighth grade, too. John loved all genres of music, and we would often catch him singing and humming along to songs.

John was a member of the United Church of Christ Norwell. He participated in the music program since he was five years old, starting in Cherub Chimes, then playing the bells with the Rockin’ Ringers, and performing trumpet solos. He had just completed his confirmation and enjoyed participating in numerous service events over the years.

John was part of Boy Scout Troop 38 in Hanover, Massachusetts. He had recently achieved his Life Rank and was working to become an Eagle Scout. He wanted to build an outdoor classroom at Norwell Middle School for his Eagle Scout project.

John spent his summers on Cape Cod. He loved sailing, golf, and being on the family powerboat. John spent many summers racing Optis and met so many friends from different yacht clubs on Cape Cod. He started sailing 420s and was looking forward to racing more next summer with his friends at Chatham Yacht Club. John spent many hours on the golf course. His golf game really improved, and his goal was to one day soon beat his Dad. His weekends were often filled with family days on the powerboat heading over to Hyannis, Nantucket, or just putting around Bass River. John spent most days on the water and always had a smile.

John was a conversationalist. He could and would talk with anyone. From an early age, he believed everyone wanted to talk with him. He was curious, always asking lots of questions. He was a friend with whom you could chat. He would try to make you laugh, make you feel heard, and make you feel important. His friends and classmates describe him as kind, always with a smile.

John was a wonderful big brother. He was proud of his sister’s accomplishments. He would watch her sporting events, cheer her on the sailing racecourse, and be beaming when she succeeded. He was always trying to teach her how to improve her lacrosse game, talk about sailing racing strategies, and they would battle it out in the front yard playing soccer. They had a special bond, trust, and reliance on each other.

John was the most amazing son. His parents could not be any prouder of the young man he had become.

He was talented, gifted, kind, and loved beyond words.

John was tragically taken from us too soon when he was killed in a car accident. He will be remembered for how hard he worked at everything he did, the love and kindness that emanated through him, and his compassion for his friends and family.