John T. Ahearn, 80, of Rutland, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, January 25th, 2017 at UMass Memorial Medical Center – University Campus. Born in Paxton,  John was the son of James J. and Leona Mae (Godaire) Ahearn and lived 60 years in Rutland.

He was raised on the Juniper Mist Dairy Farm and where he learned the value of a hard day’s work. John married the love of his life in 1955 and together they built a home in Rutland where they raised their four children. John was an avid outdoorsman; he enjoyed gardening, tending to the birds, and his beloved hunting “adventures” with his family. John worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for 47 years, and his gift as a landscaper and arborist was fundamental in the design and maintenance of UMass Medical Center.

Above all, his greatest passion in life was to provide for his wife and family. Through constant support, love, and encouragement he was dedicated to helping his family succeed in all aspects of their life.. John served as a great role model and his legacy will continue to positively impact all.

John will be affectionately remembered and missed by his wife of 62 years, Janet (Jones) Ahearn; his two sons, Thomas J. Ahearn and his wife, Angella of North Brookfield and David R. Ahearn and his wife Janet of Rutland; his two daughters, Cindy Currier and her husband, Kevin and Shay Copeland and her husband, Steven both of Oakham; his brothers, Patrick and Joseph Ahearn; his sister, Sandra Milner; his four grandsons and three granddaughters; his three great grandsons and one great granddaughter. John was predeceased by his brother, James J. Ahearn, Jr.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with John’s family from 5 to 8 pm on Monday, January 30, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am on Tuesday, January 31, at St Patrick’s Church, 258 Main St., Rutland. Interment will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society – Rutland Food Pantry, c/o St. Patrick’s Church, P.O. Box 939, Rutland, MA 01543.