John Edmund Havens, 90, of Sun City, Arizona, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2026. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, on September 23, 1935; John lived a life defined by resilience, determination, friendship, hard work, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys that make life meaningful.

John's early years were marked by extraordinary challenges. He lost his mother, Ida (Dobbs) Havens, at the age of five and his father, Frederick Havens, the following year. Alongside his sister, Frances, and brother, Frederick, John spent time as a ward of the State of New Hampshire before being raised under the guardianship of his grandmother, Lucevia. His aunt, Irene (Havens) Corson, and her husband, Harold Corson, played an important role in helping provide care and support during those difficult years. These experiences instilled in him a lifelong belief in perseverance, self-reliance, and the value of hard work.

Raised in Derry, New Hampshire, John attended Pinkerton Academy. Financial circumstances required him to enter the workforce at a young age, and he left school before graduating to earn a living. He worked at the local grocery store and other businesses in town, gaining an appreciation for responsibility and hard work that remained with him throughout his life.

John built a successful career in the grocery industry; developing expertise as a meat cutter and store manager. Over the years he worked for many familiar New England grocery chains; including Stop & Shop, A&P, Johnnie's Foodmaster, Market Basket (formerly Demoulas), and several others.

One of the most important chapters of John's life began in the summer of 1952, when he met Ruth O'Connell. He was sixteen and she was eighteen. They married 4 days after he turned 17 and made their home in Wilmington, Massachusetts, where they raised seven children. Following their divorce in the early 1970s, John married Agnes Devaney-Ingersoll. Together they shared forty-four happy and active years, living first in Nashua, New Hampshire, and later in New Port Richey, Florida, until Agnes's passing in 2019. In June 2026, John moved to Sun City, Arizona.

John loved sharing stories from every stage of his life. Family and friends were treated to vivid recollections of growing up in Derry, owning his first car at age twelve, playing basketball at Pinkerton Academy, adventures with his brother Fred, practical jokes played on coworkers, and countless tales gathered over nine decades of living.

An avid athlete throughout his life, John enjoyed horseshoes, bowling, and friendly competition. His greatest passion, however, was golf. An accomplished player, he earned his PGA Teaching Professional certification and served as the resident teaching professional at Winchendon Country Club in Massachusetts.

John was predeceased by his parents, Frederick and Ida (Dobbs) Havens; his first wife, Ruth (O'Connell) Havens; his second wife, Agnes (Devaney-Ingersoll) Havens; his sister, Frances (Havens) Gallien; his brother, Frederick Havens St. Ana; his daughter, Kristine (Havens) Price; his stepdaughters, Linda (Brewin) Marquis and Sandra (Ingersoll) Leith; his stepson, Joseph Ingersoll; and his grandsons, Andrew Havens and Brandon Grant.

John is survived by his children: John Havens and spouse Suzanne (Ronan) Havens of Raymond NH; Peter Havens and spouse Sharon (Dukus) Havens of Wilton, NH; Michael Havens and spouse Colleen (McKinney) Havens of Burgaw, NC; Kathleen (Havens) Connor and spouse Tom Connor of Melbourne, FL; Corrine (Havens) Scanlon and spouse Edward Scanlon of Sun City, AZ; and Lorene (Havens) Coe and spouse Dale Coe of Groveton, NH. He is also survived by his stepdaughter, Deborah Brewin of Nashua, NH.

He further leaves 20 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

John's life began with hardship but unfolded into a story of perseverance, devotion, humor, accomplishment, and love. Through every challenge he remained resilient, hardworking, and optimistic. He will be remembered for his strength of character, his gift for storytelling, and the countless lives he touched along the way. His legacy lives on in the generations that follow and in the memories shared by all who knew him.

A private celebration of life for family and close friends will be held in October.