Enjoyed training, cards, fishing, debating politics and grilling
NORTH READING — John Joseph Daniels, born in Melrose on December 20, 1962 to the late Joseph Vito Daniels and Carol Louise Daniels, and raised and educated in North Reading, died on February 2, 2025.
John loved growing up in his hometown of North Reading, especially at Martin’s Pond. He had a deep connection to his neighborhood; he was a true Ponderonian. His family and grandsons were his greatest gifts.
John moved to Maine and then settled In Exeter, N.H. with his girl, Diane Doucette. They shared an amazing love and bond. If you saw one then you always saw the other. John had many interests; weight lifting and training were a passion of his. He enjoyed playing cards with his friends, fishing and cracking jokes. He had a wonderful sense of humor and would even laugh at himself. John loved to debate politics and was well versed on many topics. He had an amazing ability to make you feel like you were the only person in the room when he was speaking to you. He had the biggest smile and heart. If John considered you a friend, you were his friend for life. His loyalty was unmatched.
You could often find John cooking in the kitchen or on the grill, especially making his dad’s famous gravy, Grampy’s gravy he called it. Spending time with his family was always so important to him. He often spoke of the wonderful memories of being in his Nonni’s kitchen surrounded by laughter, love and extended family. He would call it Laps of Love, jumping from one lap to another and feeling the warmth and love. If you knew John you also knew his favorite pastime was to eat—an appetite that was unmatched— all you can eat buffets were his favorite, but not so much for the restaurant owners.
John had many jobs throughout his life. His last job working at The Dunes Motor Inn in Rye, N.H. brought him great joy. He loved being at the beach making lifelong friends with his co-workers and the guests. He always had a smile on his face and could remember everyone’s name. John made everyone he came in contact with feel valued and important; he was a people person. A true gentleman. He will deeply missed by so many, including his family, and friends he called brothers. He was the kindest, most selfless person, always there to lend a hand or a kind word.
His family was his rock. Like any family they fought and loved with the same passion. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his grandsons. He was one Proud Papa. John fought hard and never complained. He was fiercely protective of those he loved and he never let on how bad he was hurting. He was a true warrior until the end.
Family members include his siblings, Gail Daigle and her husband Roland Daniels from Salem, N.H.; Paul Daniels and his wife Cherie Daniels from Salem, N.H.; Micheal Daniels and his wife Carly Daniels from Winchendon; daughter Rachel M. Daniels from Burlington; fiancé Diane C. Doucette from Exeter, N.H.; parents, late father Joseph Vito Daniels and mother Carol Louise Daniels; two grandsons and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 7 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow St., North Reading. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to the charity of one’s choice. To leave an online message of condolence please visit croswellfuneralhome.com.