John W. Letares, aged 67, passed away at his beloved family home in Manchester, New Hampshire on March 6, 2026. John's life was a testament to love and devotion to help provide for his family of six brothers and sisters growing up on the West side of Manchester, where he lived his whole life.

Born in Manchester, John was the son of Regina (Turner) Letares and William Letares. He attended the Brown School, Parkside, and a West High School graduate Class of 1977. John's childhood of growing up in the Kimball Street apartment complex included his love for playing little league baseball for Uncle Bob's team, dirt bikes, fishing, hunting and forming lifelong friendships having a lasting impact.

John and his siblings fondly remember enjoying spending free time as a kid with their Greek immigrant grandparents, aunts and uncles, especially hanging out with Aunt Vangie and Uncle Charlie at their store, New England Market.

Beyond High school, John attended NH TECH and worked as a laborer learning the craft and skills of carpentry to become a full-time general contractor investing and building new homes and home additions and remodeling projects growing his successful sole owner business spanning 40+ years.

In 1990, John met his wife, Mary at a nightclub out with friends in Nashua, NH and their love story began. Many years of dating and building a relationship they enjoyed skiing in the White Mountains of NH in the winter months and most of their summer and fall time together was spent either at the NH seacoast or camping in Pittsburg, NH. John and Mary were married in 1998 at Union Chapel in No. Hampton with family, friends and church symbolizing their deep and enduring love for each other lasting over 27 years.

John's greatest joy was hunting and scouting for deer in and around the Manchester area. He lived for the outdoors and walking in the woods, E-biking and hiking kept him in good physical condition. His passion for squid fishing in New Castle, panning for gold in the white mountains and metal detecting for artifacts kept him busy all the time with his pursuit for adventure. Over the span of 30 years, he could always be seen out and about town walking his best friend K9 companion german shepherd dogs Ziggy, Skylar and Bruno each holding a special place in his heart.

In 2012, John completed his Fire Fighter /EMT training and joined the Fire Service part-time with the Goffstown Fire Dept. for 8 years. His passion for helping people and generosity was a mission he fulfilled with each fire/EMT call. He shared a brotherhood bond with his fellow firefighters filled with camaraderie, laughter and togetherness.

John was pre-deceased by his mother, Regina Letares, older brother, Greg Letares, and two older sisters, Rhea Letares, and Elizabeth Letares all of whom he helped care for in their final days leaving a profound loss. John had a strong faith finding comfort in belief that they are now reunited in the embrace of the Lord.

John leaves behind a legacy of love and faith that will continue to inspire those who knew him. He is survived by his devoted wife and caregiver Mary and his younger sister, Christine Letares, his younger brother, Stephen Letares, extended family of five half-siblings, many nieces and nephews all of whom will carry his memory in their hearts, and his beloved german shepherd K9 best friend, Bruno.

John's life was a testament of his strength and resilience in his battle with cancer, and the beauty of a generous heart. John will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to be a part of his extraordinary journey. John's spirit will continue to shine brightly for all who knew him.

SERVICES: Calling hours will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 243 Hanover Street, in Manchester. A funeral service will follow at 3:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Private family burial at Mt. Cavalry Mausoleum will be held at a later date.

There will be a livestream link posted for the service on March 14, 2026 at 3 p.m. for anyone who cannot attend in person.

To view John’s online tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit https://phaneuf.net. Assisting the family with arrangements is the Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Manchester, NH.