John Parkhurst Fahey

MEREDITH, NH — John Parkhurst Fahey passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Concord Hospital in Concord, New Hampshire surrounded by his loving family following a brief illness. He was 87.

Born on January 20, 1939, in Manchester, New Hampshire, to the late John and Hazel (Parkhurst) Fahey, John was raised in Manchester. He spent many years residing in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, before retiring to Meredith, New Hampshire, in 2004, where he was a communicant of St. Charles Borromeo Church.

John was a 1956 graduate and outstanding athlete at West High School in Manchester. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and play varsity basketball while at Plymouth State University, graduating in 1962. He went on to pursue a Master of Education in Guidance from Fitchburg State University. Dedicated to lifelong learning, he later pursued graduate studies in School Administration at Northeastern University.

Mr. Fahey devoted thirty-two years of his life to the education and development of hundreds of young people in the Groton–Dunstable School System in Massachusetts. From 1962 until his retirement in 1994, he wore many hats, serving as a teacher, varsity basketball coach, guidance counselor, athletic director, and principal.

John cared deeply for his students, loved coaching his athletes, and held great respect for his colleagues. He also held a special place in his heart for his kindergarteners, who affectionately called him “Mr. Gym.” Among his proudest professional accomplishments were his championship basketball seasons and the dedication of the 1972 high school yearbook, The Key, in his honor. He was also featured in sportswriter Dan Shaughnessy’s award-winning book Senior Year. The John Fahey Sports Award, presented annually to a deserving high school athlete, stands today as a lasting tribute to his profound influence.

Following his retirement from education, John took on a new adventure as a driver in the Greyhound teacher-driver program in a full-time capacity. He logged more than one million miles on the road and was the proud recipient of numerous Greyhound safe-driver awards.

John was an avid golfer, a passion that began in his early teens when he caddied and played at Derryfield Country Club in Manchester. Nothing made him happier than a day on the links with friends who shared his love of the game, or teaching his boys its strategies and etiquette at Waukewan Golf Club in Meredith.

Above all else, John loved his family with all his heart. He leaves behind his beloved wife of sixty years, Mary (Crane) Fahey. He is survived by his three children: his son John Fahey, Jr. and his wife, Cettina, of Concord, Massachusetts; his son Timothy Fahey and his wife, Colleen, of Dallas, Texas; and his daughter Caitlin (Fahey) Kickham and her husband, Joshua, of Cumberland, Rhode Island.

His most cherished role was that of “Parky” to his seven grandchildren, who lit up his life: Ashley and Ryan Fahey; Jake, Chloe, and Hazel Fahey; and Reilly and Ciera Kickham. He also leaves his brother, William Fahey, and his wife, Linda, of Keene, New Hampshire; his sisters-in-law, Catherine Wallace, of Arlington, Virginia, and Anna Crane of Haverhill, Massachusetts; as well as several much-loved nieces, nephews, and cherished family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate John’s life for a period of visitation on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Badger Funeral Home located at 45 school street, Groton MA 01450, (https://www.badgerfuneral.com/). A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace Worshiping at St. Joseph’s Church, 28 Tarbell St., Pepperell, MA 01463. Burial will be Private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Fahey’s memory may be made to the Meredith, New Hampshire Got Lunch Program at Inter-Lakes Got Lunch P.O Box 635 Meredith, NH 03253, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Manchester, 555 Union Street Manchester, NH 03104 Attention: Development.

John’s family would like to share our profound thanks and praise to the incredible first responders from Moultonborough NH Public Safety and the medical professionals at Laconia & Concord Hospitals who provided care for John during his final days. Your care, sensitivity, and professionalism were felt by John and those of us who loved him the most.

Arrangements are under the care of Badger Funeral Home, A Life Celebration Home, 45 School St., Groton, MA 01450.