Alton Bay, NH

John Leo Meehan, Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend to many, died on Saturday July 17, 2021 after battling a lengthy illness. Known as Jay to his friends and colleagues, he was born on October 22, 1936 in Winthrop, MA, the son of John Leo Meehan and Margaret C. Lane. Jay grew up in Revere, MA and graduated from Cathedral High School in Boston. He then went on to study at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, NH, graduating in 1958 with a degree in business.

Professionally, Jay was driven by a competitive, entrepreneurial spirit. He began his career working for the Continental Insurance Company, earning promotions and eventually covering Western MA as a special agent. He later became a sales manager of the Fire Protection Division for Holyoke Valve and Hydrant Company. In 1978, Jay purchased Kimball & Brown Moving and Storage in Manchester, NH, where he served as President & CEO until his retirement in 2003.

Jay married his college sweetheart Brenda Reid, Saint Anslem College class of 1961, in June 1961. They moved to South Hadley, MA where they lived for 18 years, raised their young family and made many dear life-long friends. They later moved to Alton Bay, NH on Lake Winnipesaukee, where they have resided for 43 years.

Jay was the loving father of 5 children including Catherine O'Rourke (Daniel O'Rourke) of Durham, NH, Maureen Kramer (Luke Kramer) of Norwell, MA, Carolyn Nolan (Timothy Nolan) of Barrington, RI, John L. Meehan III (fiancée Tonda Creteau) of Alton, NH and William Meehan (Elizabeth Baker) of Hopkinton, MA. He was the proud Papa of thirteen grandchildren, including: Brogan, Sean, Liam and Patrick O'Rourke, Ryan and Molly Kramer, Caitlyn, Taylor and Reid Nolan, Jack and Kiley Meehan, and Patrick and Thomas Meehan. His grandchildren were the driving forces in his life that brought him the most joy, and Jay loved nothing more than gathering with family at his home on the lake.

Jay led his life in service – to his family, friends, community and church. A life-long proud Saint Anselm College alum, Jay served as President of the Alumni Association of Western, MA and received the John E. Barry '40 Sprit of Saint Anselm College Award in 2004. He volunteered on many Boards over the years including the Serra Club in Springfield MA, the South Hadley, MA Fire Department, NH Catholic Charities, Easter Seals and Alton Community Services. He  most recently served on the Board of Pine Haven Boys Home and  was a member of the Finance Committee of St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Alton, NH where he was active in the Men's Club and volunteered as a eucharistic minister.

In addition to his entrepreneurial spirit, love of family and service to others, Jay was known by all to be an insightful, curious man of deep faith. "At this point here" was the famous Jay / Papa intro to any one-on-one discussion where he'd explore questions on any range of topics from work to family to politics to world affairs. Dialogs with Jay were always spirited and full of laughs. A man with a big heart and boundless energy, Jay was quietly generous – with his time, his compassion, and with his love for others – always lending a hand or a home to those in need throughout his life.

To know Jay Meehan was a true honor – his love was shared and cherished by everyone who crossed his path during his life.

Funeral services will take place on Tuesday 7/27/2021. Visitation will be from 9- 11 AM at St. Katharine Drexel Parish, 40 Hidden Springs Rd, Alton, NH. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM, also at St. Katherine Drexel.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Saint Katherine Drexel Charity Fund, the Dr. Joyce C. Clifford Annual Scholarship Program at Saint Anselm College or to Captain Ann Darby Reynold Scholarship Fund at Saint Anselm College would be greatly appreciated.

To express condolences, please visit: www.peasleefuneralhome.com