It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a beloved husband, father, and teacher, Mr. John Farr Hawley, Jr. at 75 years of age, on November 6th, 2023.

Much of John’s life was lived in service of others. As a teacher of 34 years, the impact of his life’s work—educating and uplifting others—has been made evident by the decades of gratitude shared by countless students, colleagues, and members of his school and church communities, spanning from the greater Boston area, to Nebraska, to the San Francisco Bay Area. John’s passion for language and the arts inspired and delighted not only his students, but also those who performed alongside him at school productions and open mic nights, and even those who simply felt comforted by his sincere and supportive nature and contagious good humor. He has been described by students and colleagues alike as having a larger-than-life personality, good humor, caring and compassionate, and going above and beyond to help others. He had a heart as big as his boisterous laugh.

In his early career, John worked for the Christian Science Monitor photo library. While living in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Boston, he was a community activist supporting racial equality and was active in local politics. While teaching at North Platte High School in Nebraska, John was honored at the White House as a teacher of distinction for a Latin student who was a Presidential Scholar. He was also honored by the National Junior Classical League for attending their annual national convention for 20 years. John’s outside interests included performing in local theater, improv comedy and choral ensembles, and he remained active in his Christian Science church community.

John is survived by his wife Claire Branin Hawley, daughters Elnora Hawley and Emma Hawley Ivaturi, two grandchildren, and sister Katharine Schneider. John last resided with his wife Claire at their home in East Windsor, New Jersey where they relocated in 2020 after living for 22 years in Santa Clara, California. In lieu of a public memorial service, the family is planting a holly tree in their back yard in his memory.

If you feel called to honor Mr. Hawley’s memory, his family asks that in lieu of flowers or gifts, to please send donations to one of the following organizations that support causes near to his heart:

ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)

America’s Grow-a-Row 

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/john-hawley-jr/obituary/

Copy