John E. Demers 1973-2025

John E. Demers, passed away on April 18, 2025, surrounded by loved ones who will forever cherish the memories he leaves behind. Born in Holyoke, Massachusetts, on March 30, 1973, to Joseph and Carol (Gula) Demers, Jr., John grew up in Easthampton and exemplified a life of service and passion from his earliest days.

John’s zest for life and sense of duty were evident from his youth. He attended Easthampton High School and, upon graduation, he proudly served his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps where he served with honor before returning to civilian life. His love for culinary arts led him to a fulfilling career as a chef at several local establishments.

A man who embraced the great outdoors, John held a deep appreciation for nature. His childhood as a Life Scout in the Boy Scouts laid the foundation for his lifelong hobbies. An avid fisherman, John found peace and joy whether by a riverbank, on a lake, or out in the open sea. His enthusiasm for hunting was just as strong, with bear and deer being his most sought-after game.

The greatest joy in John’s life was his family and the adventures he shared with his children. He married Janine Sicks-Demers on June 30, 2001, and together they built a life rooted in love, laughter, and the great outdoors. John passed down his love of nature to his children, Teagen and Tallon, through countless fishing trips and camping weekends. He especially cherished deep sea fishing excursions, quiet mornings on local ponds and rivers, and deer hunting with Tallon. With Teagen, he shared his passion for fly fishing, teaching her how to tie flies and cast a perfect line. Their many camping weekends in the Berkshires, where they spent their days fishing the pond, roasting marshmallows and telling stories weren’t just hobbies to John—they were memories in the making, and his children will carry them always.

John’s life was marked not just by the stories he told, but by his strong will and independent spirit. He was deeply close with his siblings, who shared in his life with love and laughter. He held a special bond with his parents, Joseph and Carol Demers of Easthampton; his devoted siblings, Scott Demers of Florida, Kevin Demers of Chicopee, Lori and her husband Marcial Cintron of Chicopee, Robin Aubrey of Easthampton, and Gwyne and her husband Rick Doyle of Easthampton. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of his many nieces, nephews, and friends, all of whom will dearly miss him.

A man of honor to the end, John will receive full military honors at his burial. Friends and loved ones are invited to pay their respects on Thursday, April 24, at the Boucher O’Brien Funeral Home, 7 Pleasant St., Easthampton, with calling hours from 5 to 7 p.m. John’s final resting place will be at the Massachusetts Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Agawam, where a service will be held on Monday, April 28, at 9 a.m.

As we bid farewell to John, we celebrate the indelible mark he left on the world and the lives he touched. His legacy will continue to inspire those who knew him, and his spirit will live on in the beauty of the natural world he so cherished. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mass Fish and Wildlife https://massfishhunt.mass.gov/donations or VA Central Western MA, 421 North Main St, Leeds, MA 01053