John M. Harzmovitch, 61

John Michael Harzmovitch, son of the late Paula A. Pedi and John J. Harzmovitch, passed away at Sawtelle Hospice House in Reading, Massachusetts, on July 26, 2025, at the age of 61.

Born in Boston, John grew up in North Reading and Andover, Massachusetts. After school, John was a proud member of the Army National Guard. Upon leaving the Guard, he married and raised his children in Londonderry. When his children were grown, he traveled the country and returned to North Reading eight years ago.

He was known for his compassionate heart, loud deep voice, and his laughter. He loved to make people laugh with his jokes, pranks, silly antics and his love for all New England sports teams.

John was happiest when he was with his many friends and his loving family, and is already deeply missed by everyone who was fortunate enough to be a part of his life.

He was the father of son Kenneth Harzmovitch and grandfather of Ken’s children Aiden, Corbyn and Sirena, and great-grandfather to Aiden’s son Oliver; son Michael Harzmovitch; and daughter Sarah Harzmovitch (Cody Knighten) and Sarah’s children Kiley, Maddie, Kay and John. He was a cherished brother and uncle to his brother Frank Harzmovitch, Frank’s son Mitchell Harzmovitch, and Mitchell’s mother Jackie; sisters Doreen Harzmovitch Belkacem and Vicki Harzmovitch, and Vicki’s daughter Julianna Fenner.

He was employed by Moynihan Lumber, North Reading, at the time of his passing and still went to work for up to two weeks before he passed. He was recognized and admired for his determination and unwavering strength, his dancing, and, of course, his nickname — "the Russian." John leaves behind his Moynihan family of brothers and sisters whom he loved very much, as well as nieces and nephews. He was also blessed with many cousins and lifelong friends whom he considered family.

He was looking forward to embracing his parents, grandparents Nancy and Ray Bogus, Frank and Vicki Pedi, and his aunt Barbara Harzmovitch, and having a huge celebration when he got to Heaven.

As John’s family, we would like to say a special “thank you” to his treatment team of incredible doctors and all the special nurses at the Burlington and Peabody locations of Burlington Lahey Hospital, and the wonderful, special team of nurses, aides and directors at the Sawtelle Hospice House in Reading, Massachusetts.

Family and friends are cordially invited to visiting hours at the Cota Funeral Home, 335 Park St., North Reading (Corner of Park Street and Route 28), from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 12.

A graveside service to celebrate John will follow the next morning at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett, to be buried with his father. The procession will begin at the Cota Funeral Home at 9:15 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13. The graveside service will begin at 10 a.m. For those who do not wish to go in procession, you may meet at the cemetery gate or go directly to Wintergreen Avenue at Woodlawn.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's memory to: Sawtelle Hospice House, 320 Haverhill St., Reading, MA 01867, or online at bilhathome.org/giving.

cotafuneral.com.