Had a compassionate heart and was happiest when with friends and family
NORTH READING — John Michael Harzmovitch, son of the late Paula A. Pedi and John J. Harzmovitch, passed away at Sawtelle Hospice House in Reading, Mass. on July 26, 2025, at the age of 61.
Born in Boston, John grew up in North Reading and Andover, Mass. After school, John was a proud member of the Army National Guard. Upon leaving the Guard, he married and raised his children in Londonderry, N.H. When his children were grown, he traveled the country and returned to North Reading eight years ago.
He was known for his compassionate heart, loud deep voice, and his laughter. He loved to make people laugh with his jokes, pranks, silly antics and his love for all New England sports team.
John was happiest when he was with his many friends and his loving family, and is already deeply missed by everyone who was fortunate enough to be a part of his life.
He was the loving father of Kenneth Harzmovitch and grandfather of Ken’s children: Aiden, Corbyn and Sirena, and great-grandfather to Aiden’s son Oliver; Michael Harzmovitch and Sarah Harzmovitch (Cody Knighten) and grandfather of Sarah’s children: Kiley, Maddie, Kay, and John.
He was the cherished brother of Frank Harzmovitch, uncle of Frank’s son Mitchell Harzmovitch, and brother-in-law of Mitchell’s mother Jackie; cherished brother of Doreen Harzmovitch Belkacem and Vicki Harzmovitch and uncle of Vicki’s daughter Julianna Fenner.
He was employed by Moynihan Lumber of North Reading at the time of his passing and still went to work up to two weeks before he passed. Recognized and admired for his determination and unwavering strength, his dancing, and, of course, his nickname – the Russian, John leaves behind his Moynihan family of brothers and sisters whom he loved very much, as well as nieces and nephews. He was also blessed with many cousins and lifelong friends whom he considered family.
He was looking forward to embracing his parents, grandparents Nancy and Ray Bogus, Frank and Vicki Pedi and his Aunt Barbara Harzmovitch and having a huge celebration when he got to Heaven.
As John’s family, we would like to say a special “Thank You” to his treatment team of incredible doctors and all the special nurses at the Burlington and Peabody locations of Burlington Lahey Hospital and the wonderful, special team of nurses, aides, and directors at the Sawtelle Hospice House in Reading, Mass.
Family and friends are cordially invited to visiting hours at the Cota Funeral Home, 335 Park St., North Reading (corner of Park Street and Rte. 28) on Friday, September 12, 2025 from 4 to 7 p.m.
A graveside service to celebrate John will follow the next morning at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett, to be buried with his father. Procession to begin at the Cota Funeral Home on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 9:15 a.m. Graveside service will begin at 10 a.m.
For those who do not wish to go in procession, you may meet at the cemetery gate or go directly to Wintergreen Avenue at Woodlawn.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to: Sawtelle Hospice House, 320 Haverhill St., Reading MA 01867 or online at Sawtelle Hospice House. To leave an online message of condolence visit www.cotafuneral.com.