John McLeod

John Thomas McLeod, 62, passed away peacefully on Sept. 19 in Hopkinton after a long battle with cancer. He was born on Oct. 14, 1960, in Framingham to the late Roderick and Dorothy McLeod and was raised in Ashland.

The youngest of four children, John had always been curious and inquisitive. John’s thirst for knowledge led him to Joseph P. Keefe Regional Technical Vocational High School, where he graduated in 1978 with a certificate in computer programming, and later to Northeastern University, where he received a B.S. in business administration in 1995.

John’s professional journey in computer science was marked by dedication and commitment. He began his career with LFE Corporation and Baybank as a computer programmer, where he laid the foundation for success. For the next three decades, he lent his talents and expertise to the Fidelity Investments IT Department, leaving an indelible mark on the company and his colleagues around the globe.

A lifelong learner, John pursued education with curiosity and humor. He studied topics as diverse as classical music, philosophy and Formula One racing. John approached his cancer diagnosis in the same manner. He voraciously read medical journals and scientific papers, becoming very well-educated about his condition and treatment options. He eagerly participated in clinical trials, which undoubtedly have yielded valuable data that will benefit those who will follow in his footsteps. Along the way, he shared updates with family and friends infused with his irreverent wit and humor.

John loved the outdoors and often could be found riding his bike, hiking on the trails in New England, paddling his kayak on historic rivers or bodysurfing the waves on the national seashore. A particular joy was astronomy, which he shared with family and friends through evening star parties whenever he could find a dark sky.

He was a loving husband to his wife of nearly 37 years, Margaret Angelini, and a cherished brother to Roderick McLeod, sister-in-law Julie Fannon, sister Dorothy McLeod, sister Mary Beauchamp and brother-in-law James Beauchamp, and uncle to their three children. He was adored by extended family members and numerous friends.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no memorial service held in John’s honor. His life will be celebrated by those he loved at a future event. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (pancan.org) or Massachusetts General Hospital (giving.massgeneral.org/donate).

John McLeod will be remembered as a dedicated professional, a loving husband, and a cherished brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace.

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