84-year-old Revere native and veteran dean dies after 54 years of marriage

James E. Hahesy, Jr., 84, died on Nov. 6 at Cornerstone at Milford. The former resident of Revere and Hopkinton passed away in the presence of his family.

Born in Chelsea on Jan. 28, 1942, Hahesy grew up in Revere as the oldest of seven children. He attended Immaculate Conception High School in Revere, graduating in 1959. He then studied at Boston College, becoming a member of the school’s centennial class upon his 1963 graduation. His academic path included service in the Reserved Officers Training Corps, which led to a commission as an Army lieutenant. He later attained the rank of captain.

Hahesy volunteered for active duty in the Army’s Medical Service Corps. He was assigned to Fort Clayton in the Panama Canal Zone. There, he developed expertise in establishing Mobile Army Surgical Hospitals, or MASH units. He described serving alongside World War II and Korean War veterans as a privilege. He left active duty in 1965 and remained in the Army Reserves for four years.

His career in the private sector included roles at Aetna in Hartford and Mobil Oil in western Connecticut. In the late 1960s, he shifted focus to higher education after earning a master’s degree from Springfield College. He served as director of financial aid at Central Connecticut State College. He later held the positions of Dean of Students and Dean of Community Services at Asnuntuck Community College.

In 1975, Hahesy received the Student Senate Award for outstanding service to students at Central Connecticut State College. That same year, he married Eleanor Doherty, a professional artist and public school art teacher. The couple, who had met in the Point of Pines section of Revere, settled in Springfield before purchasing a home in Longmeadow. They resided in Longmeadow for 48 years and were active members of St. Mary’s parish.

Hahesy and Eleanor welcomed their daughter, Elizabeth, in 1975. The couple shared 54 years of marriage until Eleanor’s death on Jan. 14, 2025. Hahesy continued his community involvement through memberships in Rotary International and Toastmasters. In 1982, he received the President’s Award from the North Central Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, where he had served as a board director, treasurer, and secretary.

A Congressional citation in 1982 recognized his service to Asnuntuck Community College and the North Central Connecticut area. The award was presented through the offices of U.S. Representative Nancy L. Johnson. Hahesy also worked as a master of ceremonies and eulogist for many years.

After retiring in 1998, Hahesy earned certification as a local ombudsman through the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs. This role authorized him to advocate for nursing home patients. He spent several years assisting senior citizens and disabled individuals in the Greater Springfield area who lacked family or friends to monitor their care. Two years after retiring, Asnuntuck Community College honored him as Emeritus Dean of Students.

Hahesy is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Getchell; son-in-law, Keith Getchell; and three grandchildren, Grace, Ella, and James, all of Hopkinton. He is also survived by four brothers: Paul Hahesy of Duxbury, John Hahesy of Melrose, Stephen Hahesy of West Brookfield, and David Hahesy of Revere. His sister, Marian Hahesy Calhoun, lives in Farmville, Virginia. Susan Hahesy, the widow of his late brother Robert, also survives him. The combined families include 19 nieces and nephews.

Paul Hahesy spoke on behalf of his siblings, stating that they hold "unlimited esteem and gratitude" for their older brother. He described Hahesy as a man whose life focused on loving, serving, and giving to others. Visitation for Hahesy is scheduled for Nov. 10 at Chesmore Funeral Home in Hopkinton. A funeral Mass will be held on Nov. 13 at St. John the Evangelist Church in Hopkinton, followed by burial at Mount Auburn Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.