John W. Letares

John W. Letares, aged 67, passed away at his family home in Manchester, New Hampshire on March 6, 2026. Born in Manchester, he was the son of Regina (Turner) Letares and William Letares. He grew up on the West side of Manchester, where he spent his entire life, and graduated from West High School with the Class of 1977 after attending the Brown School and Parkside.

John’s childhood was filled with simple joys and lasting connections. He played Little League baseball for Uncle Bob’s team, rode dirt bikes, fished, hunted, and formed lifelong friendships while living in the Kimball Street apartment complex. He and his siblings cherished time spent with their Greek immigrant grandparents, aunts, and uncles, particularly at Aunt Vangie and Uncle Charlie’s store, New England Market.

After high school, John attended NH TECH and began working as a laborer. He mastered the craft of carpentry and became a successful sole proprietor general contractor, building new homes, additions, and remodeling projects for more than 40 years. In 1990, he met his wife Mary at a nightclub in Nashua, and their love story began. They enjoyed skiing in the White Mountains, spending time at the New Hampshire seacoast, and camping in Pittsburg. They married in 1998 at Union Chapel in North Hampton, surrounded by family and friends, and shared a deep and enduring marriage of over 27 years.

John’s greatest passions were the outdoors and helping others. He loved hunting and scouting for deer near Manchester, walking in the woods, E-biking, hiking, squid fishing in New Castle, panning for gold in the White Mountains, and metal detecting. For more than 30 years he was a familiar sight walking his beloved German Shepherds Ziggy, Skylar, and Bruno, who held special places in his heart. In 2012, he completed firefighter and EMT training and served part-time with the Goffstown Fire Department for eight years, forming close bonds with his fellow firefighters while dedicating himself to helping people in his community.

John was predeceased by his mother, Regina Letares, his older brother Greg Letares, and his older sisters Rhea Letares and Elizabeth Letares, all of whom he cared for in their final days. He is survived by his devoted wife and caregiver, Mary, his younger sister Christine Letares, his younger brother Stephen Letares, five half-siblings, many nieces and nephews, and his beloved German Shepherd, Bruno.

John faced his battle with cancer with strength and resilience, sustained by a generous heart and a strong faith. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love, devotion, and quiet generosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.