Obituary of John G. Willett

John Gerard Willett, 52, of Duxbury, passed away peacefully at home on July 9, 2016 with his loving wife Amy holding his hand after a courageous battle with cancer. His unwavering faith and continuous determination to fight this disease was an inspiration to everyone around him. He was a dearly loved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, godfather, friend, colleague, and coach. John’s selflessness, compassion, and competitive spirit will be greatly missed. He will always be remembered with much love and laughter. Although taken much too soon, John touched the lives of everyone he met. John was born in Norwood, MA on January 24, 1964 and grew up in Hyannis on Cape Cod. He graduated from Tabor Academy in 1982. He received his BA from Hobart College in 1986 where he played lacrosse and hockey, and he received his MBA from F.W. Olin School at Babson College. His experience in high school and college athletics laid the foundation for his lifelong love of coaching. John’s passions and contributions to the community were numerous. Growing up on Cape Cod, he always had an immense love of the sea and spent countless hours boating, sailing, windsurfing, and fishing. Coaching and playing hockey and lacrosse, however, were his true passions. He loved teaching the game and finding the best in each and every player. Duxbury Youth Hockey and Lacrosse will always be grateful for John’s dedication and his focus on teaching sportsmanship and the importance of each player’s contribution to the team. John cast an extremely wide net in the insurance industry and positively affected and mentored so many people. Just like his influence in coaching, he had a positive impact on everyone he ever worked alongside. John’s highly respected career began at Chubb Insurance Group in 1986. Throughout his professional life, he worked at AIG, Morse Payson & Noyes, and Sheppard Riley Coughlin. Most recently, he was Executive Vice President for Aon Risk Solutions in Boston, MA where he worked for the past ten years. John’s family was his heart and soul. He is survived by his beloved wife, Amy (Halstead) Willett, of 19 years. He leaves behind his parents, Jack and Betty Willett of Hyannis, MA and Naples, FL. He was the loving and cherished father of Jay (18), Lauren (16), and Christian (15). He was the treasured brother of Jeanne (Willett) Wolff of Duxbury, MA and her husband John; Ron Willett of Marblehead, MA and his wife Jacquie; and Renee (Willett) DeDecko of Osterville, MA and her husband Matthew. He was a proud uncle to Aly, Jack, and Leah Wolff; Brendan Willett; Callie, Lilly, and Matthew DeDecko Jr.; Will and Catherine Cusma: and Grace and Sophie Telegadis. He also leaves behind his in laws, Linda and Peter Halstead of Washington Crossing, PA as well as numerous sisters in law and brothers in law. Lastly, he leaves his loyal sidekick, Max. Visiting hours will be on Wednesday, July 13, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Shepherd Funeral Home, 216 Main Street, Kingston, MA. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, July 14, 2016 at Holy Family Church, 601 Tremont Street, Duxbury, MA at 10:00 a.m. Burial is private. John’s kindness, sense of humor, infectious laugh, and smile will be remembered by all who knew him. It is the wishes of his family for you to spread John’s kindness to others. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Harlem Lacrosse and Leadership, Boston Chapter, P.O. Box 708, New York, NY 10030, www.harlemlacrosse.org. or Melanoma International Foundation, 250 Mapleflower Road, Glenmoore, PA 19343, www.melanomainternational.org.