John V. Mini Jr., 86

LACONIA — John Vincent Mini Jr., 86, of Laconia, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the love of his family, on Oct. 16, 2025.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, John was the son of Amelia (née Gori) and John Mini Sr. He attended North Quincy High School and Don Bosco Catholic Trade School, graduating in 1957.

That same year, he enlisted in the United States Air Force as an airman second class, serving in the Air Force Security Service and Intercept Radio Services. He was stationed on the Greek island of Crete, where he worked in the Crypto Lab Research division.

In 1959, John married the love of his life, Linda (née Keefe), and they settled in Weymouth, Massachusetts. He worked for the United States Post Office and the Naval Shipyard, where he contributed to the restoration of the historic USS Constitution. In 1975, John pursued a degree in pharmacy, graduating from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy in 1979. He began his pharmacy career at New England Deaconess Hospital in Boston.

In 1980, John and Linda moved to New Hampshire, where he continued his pharmacy work at Lakes Region General Hospital. In 1988, he became a compliance inspector for the New Hampshire Board of Pharmacy, a role that reflected his strong commitment to public health and safety. Throughout his career, John held various pharmacy positions across the state, always known for his compassion and professionalism.

John’s commitment reached far beyond his professional life. He was a dedicated member of the New Hampshire Society of Health-System Pharmacists (NHSHP), where he took on leadership roles including president and chair of the Student Scholarship Committee, and even contributed creatively by designing the organization’s logo. He was always ready to lend a hand at events, often stepping in as the unofficial photographer and A/V specialist. In 2016, his efforts were honored with the esteemed Bowl of Hygeia Pharmacy Award, recognizing his strong advocacy for patient safety and excellence in pharmacy.

Proud of his Sicilian heritage, John cherished family gatherings filled with food, laughter, and lively conversation. He was outgoing and full of life. Photography was one of his early passions, and he often photographed weddings for loved ones. Later, as a justice of the peace, he officiated weddings for friends, family, and even his own children and grandchildren.

John also found joy in volunteering, especially as a science fair judge at Laconia Christian School. One of his most beloved roles was portraying Santa Claus for over 30 years at the Lakes Region General Hospital Children’s Christmas Party and for local police and fire departments.

He brought joy to countless children and often said these were among his most treasured memories.

John was predeceased by his beloved wife, Linda, and his brother, Joseph. He leaves behind a loving family: his five children — John (Mary) Mini of Massachusetts; Lisa (Steve) Johnson; Rick (Nancy) Mini; Patty (Tim) Rice; and Adam (Michelle) Mini — all of New Hampshire; 13 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and his sister, Mary Rose Fougere.

Calling hours will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23, in the Carriage House at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant St.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 24, at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Hwy, Boscawen.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations to be made to the New Hampshire Society of Health-System Pharmacists Student Scholarship Fund. Donations can be made online at nhshp.org/Donate, or by mailing a check to NHSHP, 72 N. Main St., Suite 206, Concord, NH 03301. Please note that the donation is in memory of John for the student pharmacist scholarship fund.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, Laconia, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit wilkinsonbeane.com.