John A. Newhall

PEABODY – John Arthur Newhall, 81, of Peabody, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 2, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born on April 29, 1945, in Chelsea, MA, to the late John A. and Italia “Ida” (Russo) Newhall.

John attended Saugus Public Schools and graduated from Saugus High School in 1963 before enlisting in the United States Army. He attained the rank of Specialist Five and received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Department of the Army in recognition of his faithful performance of duty. His service and dedication to his country remained an important part of his life's story.

John met his wife, Maryjane Kennedy, and the two were married on September 24, 1966. Together, they raised four children and built a beautiful life and family.

He worked for the Department of Defense as an analyst for 33 years, retiring in 2002. During his career, he also received various awards in recognition of his hard work and dedication.

John was talented in many ways and could build just about anything he set his mind to, including the entire second floor of the family's home on Wyman Street in Lynn. He was also a self-taught musician who played both the piano and accordion beautifully. John enjoyed woodworking and building wooden airplanes. He also spent many years working on a train set that became a longtime project of his. He found great enjoyment in cooking for his family, especially in making spaghetti and meatballs using “Ida's” homemade sauce recipe.

Above all else, John cherished his grandchildren and the special bond he shared with each and every one of them. Affectionately known as “Grandpa” ”Papa” or “Pa,” he always enjoyed supporting them at sporting events, concerts, and graduations, or, seeing them when they stopped by for a quick “hello.”

In addition to his wife of 60 years, John leaves behind his four children: John Joseph Newhall; his daughter-in-law, Cristyn Newhall, Thomas C. Newhall and his wife, Robin; Joanne M. Blake and her husband, Eric; and Amy L. Newhall; and his grandchildren: Nicholas Newhall and his wife, Jen; Taylor Newhall and her fiancé, Brandon; Paige Newhall; Alyx Newhall and her fiancé, Tim; Teagan Audette and her husband, Alex; Brigid Newhall and her fiancé, Stephen; Rilee Kate Newhall and her fiancé, Harry; Christopher Blake and his partner Molly; Benjamin Blake and his partner Isabel ; and Rashaud Newhall. His beloved great-grandchildren are Blake, Brynlee, Emersyn, Ella, Kennedy, Jayce, and Adelyn. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Sims, and many nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Johns’s Funeral will be held from the Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home, 157 Maple Street, LYNN on Monday, November 9th at 11:30 A.M. followed by his Funeral Mass in St. Pius V Church at 12 P.M. Burial with Military Honors will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Visitation will be prior to Mass beginning at 9 A.M. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in John's memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at www.stjude.org/give. Family and friends are welcome to share memories, photographs, and condolences by visiting John's online guestbook at www.cuffemcginn.com.