John D. Learson

John D. “Jack” Learson, 77, resident of Amherst, NH, died on January 17, 2018 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born in Boston, MA on May 16, 1940, a son of Mary (Burke) and Arthur Learson. He was raised in Squantum, MA and graduated from North Quincy High School. During his three years in the US Army, Jack discovered a love for electronics, leading him to earn his bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Northeastern University. Jack made his home in Amherst for more than 40 years. He was a dedicated employee for Digital Equipment Corporation for 35 years. After retirement, he enjoyed a second career as a substitute teacher at Amherst Middle School and Souhegan High School in Amherst, NH. Jack was a communicant of St. Patrick’s Church, Milford. He served many roles in the Amherst Lions Club, including his favorite, Tail-Twister. In addition, Jack enjoyed fishing, camping, and skiing. He took great pride in the camp he built on Lake Sysladobsis in Maine, and loved sharing it with family and friends. Jack was a loving husband, father, grandfather and uncle. Family members include his wife of 52 years, Judith A. (Lindahl) Learson of Amherst, NH; a son and daughter-in-law, John D. and Julie Learson of New Milford, CT; a daughter and son-in-law, Cynthia and Michael Mather of Epsom, NH; four grandchildren, Jessica and Samantha Learson, Jake and Josh Mather; a brother and sister-in-law, Jackie and Arthur Learson of Ocala, FL; a sister, Lee Learson of Exeter, NH; a sister-in-law, Cathy Learson of South Hamilton, MA; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Mary (Burke) and Arthur Learson, and a brother, Robert Learson. Calling hours are on Friday, January 26th from 5:00-7:00 pm at the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 27th at 11:00 am in St. Patrick’s Church, 34 Amherst Street, Milford. Burial will be in Holy Ghost Cemetery, Whitman, MA, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program: http://www.mainevlmp.org