WESTFIELD – John Neil Gaughan died on August 6th at the age of 88. He was born in Holyoke where his family knew him as Johnny. Later he was Neil to his Holyoke High School and Army friends in Germany where he left special friends at the club. Once he was back from his time in the service he remained in the Air National Guard while he earned his MBA from American International College . John began working as an accountant and for the next 40 years he enjoyed saving every piece of paper with a number on it!
John was married for 41 years to Shirley (Coffey) until her death in 1994. He had 6 children Norma Ott, David (Sheree), Kate Erwin , Ellen (Michael) Robienczak, Daniel (Cindy) and Kevin. John leaves 12 grand children and 8 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter Kate in 2000.
John spent his last 10 years at the Washington House where he was lucky to have kind friends in his life, including Nancy, who remained a part of his care after he became ill. John’s family would like to acknowledge the compassionate and professional care he received at Genesis Westfield Center. In lieu of flowers the family would request that you preform an act of kindness in John’s name. Firtion Adams will be handling arrangements. Services and burial are private.
