Personnel

John Warner Hibbard 

Obituary



 NORTHAMPTON - John Warner Hibbard, 99, of Bassett Brook Drive, passed away Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016, at his home surrounded by his family.



Born in Hatfield, he attended North Hadley Elementary School and Hopkins Academy. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts Stockbridge School of Agriculture in 1939 as valedictorian of his class with an associate of science degree in floriculture.



After working briefly for an eastern Massachusetts florist shop, he worked for the Greenfield Tap and Dye. He served with the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II with the 100th Bomb Group in England as photography technician and aerial photographer. He attained the rank of sergeant and was awarded the Distinguished Unit Badge with Oak Leaf Cluster and the European African Theater Campaign Ribbon.



Following World War II John worked for New England Telephone and Telegraph (now Verizon) in Northampton, for 34 years, finishing his career there as toll test foreman when he retired in 1980.



John and his wife, Barbara (Matthews), were long time residents of Northampton. He was a member of Edwards Church in Northampton and was active in many local organizations, serving as commander of the VFW Post 8006 in Florence, president of the Northampton Lions Club, the Northampton BPOE, as well as being involved in many local square dance and round dance clubs.



John was blessed with many friends throughout his life and for that he was very grateful. Starting with support from family and friends in Whately and Haydenville and each neighborhood that he lived in – Arlington Street, Westview Terrace, Spiceberry Lane and the Inn at Lathrop – he met people who quickly became new and long time friends. He was well known for his gardens – roses for his wife (extras to lucky neighbors), giant dahlias, Rose of Sharon, lily of the valley, rhubarb and of course vegetables. When his knees no longer allowed him to garden, and up until age 98, he was often seen riding his bike around the Lathrop Community in Easthampton, stopping to visit with neighbors along his route.



John was predeceased by his wife of 70 years, Barbara, his son Robert Lloyd Hibbard, an infant daughter, his sister Marian Dickinson and his brother Edward Hibbard.



He is survived by his children Susan Banas (Mike Bozek) of Greenfield, and her children Jeffrey (Daeng) and Wendy; Jack (Melissa) of Monson, and their children Chris, Chelby, Jake, Lauren, Jamie and Amber; and Janet Tucker (Michael) of Easthampton, and their child Joshua; and one great-grandchild, Brian Banas.





John loved growing flowers and giving them away. Instead of sending flowers to his funeral, John asks that you support a local florist – such as LaSalle's Florist in Whately where he helped build their greenhouse when he was a young man. Pick a day sometime this year and send a bouquet to someone for any reason at all and think of John when you do so. Perhaps on his 100th birthday in April?