John Pehl's Obituary
John Pehl - loving and dedicated husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle, cousin and friend,
passed away August 4th, 2023 in his home in Methuen, MA, surrounded by his adoring family.
He was 67 years young.
John was born February 27th, 1956 to John Pehl and Maria Boka in Tatabánya, Hungary. His
family moved to Haverhill, MA where John learned to work hard and to enjoy life to its fullest.
Oftentimes he spent weekends working with his parents at their house on Lake Waukewan in
Meredith, NH. John and his sister, Maria loved to reminisce about everything near and dear to
their hearts.
He graduated from Haverhill High School in 1973 and went on to obtain his Bachelor of Science
in Mechanical Engineering from Lowell Tech and his Masters of Science in Mathematics and
Computer Science from UMass Lowell. Forever a student, he attended Harvard extension
school to further his education. If asked, John would say he never worked a day in his life. He
was incredibly passionate about his 25 year career at Dassault Systemes (SolidWorks). He
considered each day an opportunity to learn, grow, and challenge himself.
He married his soulmate, Donna Fairburn, on May 3rd, 1980 and together they poured their love
into their children. John and Donna welcomed their first son, John Arlan in 1986, their second
son, Michael Thomas two years later, and then their daughter, Michelle Anne. They found their
family to finally be complete with the arrival of their twins, James Michael and Matthew Steven.
They shared principles of kindness, generosity, and love with their children and built their home
around their faith, nightly family dinners, thoughtful conversations, laughter and constant hugs.
John found his joy in many different ways, but his favorite things always involved his family:
kayaking down the Saco River with the perfect playlist, family beach days surfing by the North
Wall, riding his Harley on the Kancamagus Highway with his wife, getting up to no good
planning road trip adventures and vacations with his daughter, watching meteor showers and
working on BMWs with his sons, playing billiards and always hosting “Friday Junior” with his
wife, kids, and his two grandchildren, who lit up his world.
When he wasn’t being his family's modern day MacGyver, John could be found enjoying
Donna’s fabulous cooking, laughing with family in both Canada and Hungary, skiing and
learning new songs to play on his guitar. Columbus Day weekend was reserved for hiking Mt.
Washington with Joe. John loved checking off the summer bucket list, sharing Donna’s special
margaritas, boogie boarding, campfires, and family parties with his sister and brother-in-laws,
nieces, and nephews. He was always ready for the next adventure.
John was a man who loved to learn, discuss, and teach others. Most important to him was his
faith, which he leaned on during both wonderful and trying times. He enjoyed being an active
parishioner of Saint Patrick's Parish where he volunteered his time as a member of the TV
ministry.
John was preceded in death by his beloved son, Michael; his parents, John and Maria; his
in-laws, George and Mary Fairburn; his uncle, Steve; and his favorite dog, Pitash.
He will be missed beyond words by his wife of 43 years, Donna; his son John; his daughter,
Michelle, son James and wife Crista, and son Matthew and wife Shiva; his beautiful
grandchildren, Roxana and Orion; his sister Maria Finn and brother-in-law Maurice; his
sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws Nancy and Vincent Faranna, Mary and Daniel O’Brien, Linda
and Steven White, George and Monica Fairburn; many adored nieces and nephews; cousins;
friends; and his life-long friend, Joe DeVeau.
Calling hours to share stories and celebrate John’s beautiful life will be Sunday, August 13th
between 3-7pm at Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence Street in Methuen. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on August 14th at 11:00 AM at Saint Patrick’s Parish in Lawrence. Burial will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in North Andover. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to serve the Pehl family.
What’s your fondest memory of John?
What’s a lesson you learned from John?
Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John you’ll never forget.
How did John make you smile?
