John E. Lyons

Friday, November 4, 2011

John E. Lyons, P.E., 94, of Merrimack, NH died Friday Oct. 28, 2011 at Nashua Crossings assisted living facility.

He was born in Manchester, NH on June 21, 1917, a son of Joseph and Bertha Lyons. John was predeceased by his beloved wife Elaine and by siblings Florence and Kendrick. He is survived by son Stephen of Merrimack and daughter Judy, currently of Jackson, MS.

A professional engineer with a Masters degree from University of Michigan, John was retired from PSNH electrical utility after 39 years of service. Over his career, he had worked on the design of hydroelectric power plants throughout NH and then served as PSNH’s consultant on alternative energy. He served 2 terms as president of the NH Society of Engineers and 18 years as Chairman of the NH Board of Engineers, Architects and Land Surveyors. He was actively involved in leadership of the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying for many years, including a term as president 1990-91.

Always an athlete, John ran crosscountry and track in high school. He served 25 years as a National Volunteer Ski Patrolman as regional chairman of the National Ski Patrol. A lifelong swimmer, he enjoyed being at Baboosic Lake since 1932.

John served as a master sergeant in the Army 47th Engineers Battalion, designing ports for Allied ships in the South Pacific during WW II. Always patriotic, he was a fan of Sousa marches and a member of the American Legion Post 98 and VFW Post 8641.

John was dedicated to community service beginning with his years as an Eagle Scout through his tenure as a trustee for the town of Merrimack’s trust funds, an elected office he held until the end of his life. A resident of Merrimack for approximately 60 years, he served in many roles: town and school district moderator; zoning board; school district planning and building, budget, water district well-head and sewerage committees.

John was a long-time member of the Merrimack Chamber of Commerce. He was 2-term president of the first Merrimack Lions Club. He was president of the Merrimack Rotary Club, a Paul Harris Fellow, and 2007 recipient of Rotary’s John O’Leary Community Service Award. He was on the board of incorporators of both Optima Health and Catholic Medical Center. He also served on the board of St. Joseph Community Services which operates Meals-on-Wheels.

John was a dedicated member of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, where he served as an usher for many decades. He also served on the Finance and the Real Estate committees of Catholic Charities for many years.

Calling hours are 2-4 and 7-9 PM Tuesday Nov. 1 at Rivet Funeral Home, 425 Daniel Webster Hwy, Merrimack. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, Baboosic Lake Rd, Merrimack, NH on Wednesday at 9:30 AM. Memorial gifts to St. Joseph Community Services, Inc., PO Box 910, Merrimack, NH 03054 are welcomed as a way to continue John’s legacy of service.