John H. Deely

John H. “Jay” Deely passed away peacefully at home on March 30, 2025 after a long battle with cancer. Born on September 28, 1943 in Springfield, to the late John and Mary (Downey) Deely, Jay spent his formative years in Longmeadow and was a graduate of Longmeadow High School, class of ‘62. Jay’s educational journey included stops at STCC and HCC, culminating with his BA in Marketing from Bryant College (‘68) and his Masters in Secondary Administration from Westfield State in 1992. Jay was a proud member of the Army National Guard. He served from 1966 as an artillery officer until his honorable discharge in 1972 as a 1st Lt. in the 1st Battalion of the 103rd artillery battery C. After stints with Downey Midco, Wingate Computing Center, Forbes and Wallace and Consolidated Freight, Jay finally found his passion and his home for the next 31 years at Minnechaug Regional High School in Wilbraham. While at Minnechaug, Jay coached girls soccer and skiing and was a beloved teacher in the business department. Jay embraced teaching all levels of students and took particular pleasure in working with non-college track students with whom he felt a special affinity. Endowed with a sharp wit, an ample supply of “dad jokes” and a keen sense of mischief, Jay was often a bright light in any gathering. The highlight of his life came in 1969 when he married his best friend and soulmate Linda. Constant companions for 52 wonderful years, they completed each other and their love inspired others. Jay, Linda and their family spent summers in Wellfleet, a place that became sacred to them and remains a haven for the family today. In 2021, Jay was predeceased by his loving wife, Linda (Benoit) Deely. Jay is survived by his sons Todd Deely and his wife Caitlin McCarron-Deely of New Bedford and Bryan Deely and his wife Aimee of North Smithfield, RI; grandchildren Brenden and Kaitlyn Deely; brother Bruce Deely and his wife Lauren Richmond of Brewster, sister Joan Deely and her husband Jed Proujansky of Leverett, and two nieces and a nephew, all of Brooklyn, NY. The family expresses deep gratitude to Orlando and Ivia Santiago for the steadfast friendship and support that they provided to Jay and Linda over the years. Funeral services for Jay will be held Monday from Kozikowski Funeral Home, 565 Front St., Chicopee, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10AM in Sacred Heart Church, Chestnut St., Springfield. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Park Cemetery, Springfield. Calling hours will be on Sunday from 2-4PM and Monday morning from 8:30-9:15AM. Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, NY, 10018 or to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104.

John H. Deely

September 28, 1943 - March 31, 2025

What We Do

Who We Are

Grief & Healing

Resources

Plan Ahead

Contact Us

Obituaries

Contact Information

John H. Deely

September 28, 1943 - March 31, 2025

What We Do

Who We Are

Grief & Healing

Resources

Plan Ahead

Contact Us

Obituaries

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support