LEEDS - John Scanlan, 85, of Chesterfield Rd. passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, July 5, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Jack, as family and friends knew him as, was born on December 7, 1940, in Northampton to the late Luke Scanlan and Evelyn Damon. He grew up in Northampton and graduated from Northampton High School. He continued his education at Greenfield Community College before earning his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Massachusetts and later his master’s degree in social work from the University of Connecticut.

John dedicated his life to helping others and took great pride in both his education and the life he built. He was known for his wonderful sense of humor and was always ready with a joke to make others smile. His laughter, kindness, and easygoing spirit will always be remembered.

A lifelong lover of the outdoors, John was an avid gardener who found happiness tending to his yard and working on his home. He had a deep love for animals and enjoyed creating a welcoming place for family and friends. He especially cherished spending time with his grandchildren. John also loved basketball, enjoyed dancing and fishing and embraced life with enthusiasm and gratitude. He had a deep faith and was very involved in his church community

He will be greatly missed by his wife Linda (Bishop) Scanlan, his daughters; Hillary Cronin (Mark) of Northampton and Colleen Scanlan Padeck (Steve) of Northampton. His cherished grandchildren; Troy Cronin (Maya), Zachary Cronin (Gillian), Amethyst Cronin, and Caitlin Padeck and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife Judy Scanlan and his siblings, Luke Scanlan, Richard Gillman, and his sisters Donna Scanlan and Shirley Gillman.

Calling hours for John will be held on Thursday July 9, 2026 from 5:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M. at Ahearn Funeral Home, 783 Bridge Road Northampton. A Funeral Mass will be held Friday July 10, 2026 at Our Lady of the Hills Church, Haydenville at 10:00 A.M. followed by burial at Village Hill Cemetery, Williamsburg.