John Haslip

John H. Haslip, 92, of Fox Hill Village, Westwood, MA peacefully passed away on December 6, 2025 after a short illness. Big John, as he was affectionately known to a wide circle of friends, was born in Camden NJ to Henry and Eloise Haslip and grew up nearby in Pennsauken NJ. He attended local schools including Merchantville High School before graduating from Western Maryland College (now known as McDaniel College) in Westminster, Maryland with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 1954.

John served in the U.S. Army as a Company Clerk in a transportation battalion in Bad Nauheim, Germany for 2 years. During that time, he sent home many German products such as Hummels, Rosenthal china, a Volkswagen and Cuckoo clocks to family and friends while also enjoying the total German experience. He developed a lifelong love of the German language and culture.

He was married to Elizabeth Farrington from 1957 to 1969 and was blessed with 4 children: Scott, Christopher, Kathryn and Brian.

In 1975 he married Nancy in New Jersey before relocating to Massachusetts where he resided until his death. John and Nancy celebrated their 50th Anniversary in May 2025.

In his career, he was a Sales and Marketing professional. He traveled extensively throughout the US selling high value specialty chemicals in technical applications for many well-known names in the Chemical Industry such as Kaiser, Foote Mineral, Philip Hunt and Olin Corporation winning awards along the way for his performance excellence. During his career he resided in Pennsylvania, Illinois, New Jersey and Massachusetts. He retired in 1999 and turned his attention and energy to local pursuits.

John’s many diverse interests included classical music, playing the trombone in high school and college, downhill skiing, golfing, Scuba diving, participating in town government as a member of the Needham Town Meeting for many years, being a member of the Senior Men’s Club in Needham, participating in the Center at the Heights, volunteering at the Pine Street Inn, doing crossword puzzles and Sudoku, and travel around the world. He adored his family and visited as often as possible. He owned 8 lively Irish Setters over the course of 48 years. Anyone who knew him knew of his love of all aspects of the tomato! He lived in Needham, MA for 45 years. His 2024 move with Nancy to Fox Hill Village provided opportunities to engage in music, sports, and lectures as well as socializing to which he brought his warm and generous smile.

John is survived by his wife Nancy, his adult children Scott Haslip of King of Prussia, PA, Christopher Haslip and his wife Betty of Lansdale, PA, Kate Meadows and her husband Joseph of Liberty, ME, and Brian Haslip and his wife Katherine of Troutdale, OR and niece Susan O’Donoghue and her husband Brian of Pitman, NJ and by many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

He was an optimist. His joy and willingness to join in or help out will be missed. He is at peace. Godspeed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. Funeral services to be held at a later date.