John Moretti

John Swain Moretti, 69, of Hubbardston died Dec. 11 in his home with his wife of 43 years, Diane (Sharrock) Moretti, at his bedside.

John was born Dec. 18, 1950, in Rockville Centre, New York, son of Frances (Swain) and the late Whitfield Moretti.

John was a respected Massachusetts Certified Horticulturist working for Weston Nurseries in Hopkinton since 1982. His extensive knowledge and sage advice on planting and caring for turf, shrubs and trees was highly valued by both colleagues and customers.

As a longtime trustee at the First Congregational Church in Gardner, he was active in ensuring the church building was well maintained and preserved for future generations. He especially enjoyed the music of the church’s magnificent organ.

John believed that one’s responsibility was to accomplish something every single day, whether at work or at home. He was a man of integrity and a role model in every aspect of his life, professionally and personally. He treated everyone with kindness. His wonderful sense of humor, enthusiasm for life and quirky laugh will be missed.

Besides his wife, he leaves his mother, Frances Moretti of Acton; his son, Thomas Moretti and fiancee Claire Hunter of Shirley; his daughter, Caroline Barba and husband Paul of Granby; two grandchildren, Isaac John and Ramona Jo Barba; a grandson expected in January; five siblings, Michael Moretti of Stow and longtime companion Ann Purcell, Martha Shane, wife of the late Arthur Shane, Peter Moretti and wife Bonnie of Montague, Elizabeth Farrar and husband Keith of Bethlehem, New Hampshire, and Paul Moretti and wife Lola of Stow; along with many nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be livestreamed Wednesday, Dec. 16, at 9 a.m. Please visit John’s obituary at mackfamilyfh.com to virtually attend or to leave a message of condolence.

Burial with military honors will be private at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church, Organ Restoration Fund, 28 Green St., Gardner, MA 01440, or to the Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250.

Mack Family Funeral Homes, Lamoureux-Smith & Poliks Chapel, Gardner, is assisting the family with arrangements.