John W. Powers, 82, of Somers, CT, husband of Julia (Cameron) Powers, passed away on Friday, December 31, 2021 at his home surrounded by his loving family. John was born in Springfield, MA, on June 2, 1939, the son of the late John A. and Anna (Shea) Powers. Raised in the Hungry Hill section of Springfield, John graduated from Cathedral High School, Class of 1957 and attained a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and a M.S. in Environmental Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He began his career at Tighe & Bond Consulting Engineers in 1968 where he later went on to become the Chairman and President. He was a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers and a Diplomate of the American Academy of Environmental Engineers. As a communicant of Holy Name Parish, he served as a Lector, Basketball Coach, Coordinator, and member of the Finance Committee. He was a member of the building committees for Putnam High School and Pope Francis Preparatory School, volunteered for the Springfield Libraries and taught STEM programs at various public and private schools in Springfield. John taught English to recent immigrants through the Gray House and also volunteered for the ACTS Tutoring Program. In addition, he participated in the Pan-Mass Challenge with a team of his co-workers from Tighe & Bond to raise money for cancer research and treatment at Dana Farber. John enjoyed skiing, sailing, reading, studying Gaelic, and cheering for the New York Giants. He and Julia loved to explore the world on cycling trips with friends. John was ever present at his grandchildren’s sporting events and loved gathering together with his family in Kennebunkport, Maine. He cherished time spent caring for and being with his family. A devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend, John will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to have known him. He will be remembered for his positive attitude, kindness, and zest for life. In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by his son John D. Powers and brother James Powers. He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Julia A. (Cameron) Powers of Somers, CT, two devoted daughters Kathleen A. Powers and her husband Stephen Shanks of Suffield, CT, and Shannon C. Manning and her husband Patrick of Longmeadow, MA; six cherished grandchildren, Nora, Jack, Rhaya, Amelia, Caelyn and Addison; as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. Private services were held at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Springfield. A celebration of John’s life will be held this spring at a time and date to be announced. Memorial contributions in John’s name may be directed to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA, 02284 – www.dana-farber.org/gift. On the other hand, John would love it if you donated a book in his name to a library in need. For additional information, please visit www.byronkeenan.com
Published by Hartford Courant on Jan. 9, 2022.
