John Thomas Hynes of Easton, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully at home on May 14, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born June 1, 1941, on Staten Island, New York, John was the eldest of seven children of the late John A. and Margaret (Kelly) Hynes.

John grew up in Jersey City, New Jersey, where he attended local schools before beginning what would become a lifelong career on the railroad, starting with the former DL&W Railroad, now NJ Transit. He loved the rhythm, unpredictability, and intricate workings of railroading. Over nearly 40 years—most of them within the Engineering & Electrical Departments—he held numerous positions and retired as Line Engineer in 1999.

Community service was woven into the fabric of John’s life. In Dover, New Jersey, he served on several boards and committees and completed multiple terms as Alderman. As chair of the Dover Recreation Commission, he championed improvements to the town’s recreation facilities, coached baseball and softball, and helped establish both the girls’ softball and youth soccer programs. He played a key role in creating a town-wide Senior Citizens Day and in the construction of the town gazebo, which became a beloved gathering place for community events. In 1999, the State of New Jersey recognized John for his many years of dedicated community service—a recognition later echoed in his adopted home of New Hampshire.

In 2001, John and his wife, Maria, moved to Easton, New Hampshire, drawn by his love of skiing, the outdoors, and the beauty of the White Mountains. They built a rich and joyful life in the North Country, forming deep friendships and continuing their commitment to service. Together, they became founding members of Adaptive Sports Partners of the North Country and were active in RSVP (Retired Seniors Volunteer Program), Chore Corps, and Habitat for Humanity. John also served on the Lafayette Tri-Town Recreation Committee, the Easton Zoning Board of Adjustment, and as a Trustee of the Trust Funds. He and Maria shared a simple guiding belief: to leave every place better than they found it.

John embraced life with enthusiasm. He loved skiing, traveling, playing softball and golf, kayaking, biking, and hiking the trails of the White Mountains. Time with friends brought him great joy. He often remarked that he wished he had discovered life in the North Country much earlier.

John leaves behind his devoted wife of 57 years, Maria, and their three children and spouses: John J. and his wife Hailey, Kellie and her husband Irakli, and Christian and his wife Shannon. He was a proud grandfather to Nikoloz and his wife Elene, Bidzina, Calliope, Cecilia, and Sullivan, and recently celebrated the arrival of his first great-grandson, Konstantine. He is also survived by his siblings Dennis, Maureen, Margaret, and Joseph, and by 10 nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings Bernadette and Gerald and his nephew Jeremy.

A Celebration of Life will be announced by the family in the coming months.

In lieu of flowers we are asking for donations to be made to Adaptive Sports Partners or the Boys & Girls Club of the North Country, two causes that were dear to his heart.

Assisting the family with arrangements is the Cremation Society of NH, Littleton. To view John’s Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.csnh.com.