May 3, 2022
John Rogers Duxbury, Jr., 63, of Weymouth and Hingham MA, died tragically and suddenly on March 25, 2022. A life taken too soon, he left behind many loved ones and friends, including his three children Nicole, Alexandra, and William, and grandchildren Cameron and soon-to-be Oliver, each of whom he adored. He also left behind the mothers of his children, Patricia Duxbury and Polly Staman Duxbury; his sister, Cindy Moore; and his son-in-law Antonio Martins. John was predeceased by his beloved parents John R. and Claire I. Duxbury.
John (Johnny) grew up in Hingham MA, attended Hingham High School, Class of 1976, and received a BA in History from Bridgewater State. He retired in 2020 after an accomplished career in the insurance industry.
John was a kind soul with a big heart who found happiness in the simple pleasures of life. He enjoyed nature in all its forms, from going for a swim at Black Rock to gardening to hiking the mighty mounts of the Rockies; while not as mighty, the hills of Western MA brought him great joy as that was the source of many happy memories in his youth. In later years, he was often heard saying “I think I might take a drive to the Berkshires today”.
A gifted athlete, John excelled in high school baseball; he was an outstanding skier and was always working toward perfecting his golf game. He spent many hours walking the course at South Shore Country Club, hitting balls and practicing his swing. John was a die-hard Boston sports fan as well as a devout follower of the PGA Tour; no matter the sport, he had an affinity toward lefties (he himself a proud lefty).
John had an appreciation for music that spanned several genres (classical to classic rock to reggae to folk) and an uncanny ability to identify a song from just the first few notes. An avid student of history, John was an encyclopedia of knowledge, able to recall both the most seemingly trivial facts while drawing on a depth of knowledge that spanned geography, politics, and current events.
Ever affable, John was known for striking up conversations with friends and strangers alike. He was unabashedly conservative and enjoyed a good political debate. He was a quintessential jokester and creator of groan-worthy puns. With a quick and often self-deprecating wit, John was easy to talk to and an empathetic listener. Even his dogs, whom he loved dearly, had their shortcomings overlooked. Cody had "no bad habits” he would say.
But John’s greatest joy in life was his friends and family. “Duxy” was fiercely loyal to his friends and steadfast in his commitments going back to his elementary school days in Hingham. His deep empathy for others found no truer expression than in his love for his family. Highly sentimental, he was devoted to traditions and surrounded himself with photos, artwork and creations of his kids. His family was the source and legacy of all he embodied.
An emblem of compassion – of truth-seeking understanding – he loved and was loved and through that found joy. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Friends and family are invited to gather at a memorial service at 11am Thursday April 7, 2022 at Old Ship Church in Hingham MA, followed by a reception at South Shore Country Club.
Donations in John’s name may be made to Guiding Eyes for the Blind (GuidingEyes.org).