Dr. John W. Hurley

Dr. John William Hurley 84, of Manchester NH passed away into the hands

of God on Feb. 7, 2023.

Dr. Hurley was born on January 23, 1939, in Manchester NH to the late William J. Hurley and Margaret (Joyal) Hurley.  He is survived by his loving wife and soul mate of 60 years, Carol Ann (Provost);  Sons Michael and John, their wives Monica and Bj;  and six grandchildren, Quinn, Aidan, Conor, Brent, Alex, and Colin; his brother-in-law Richard Provost (Alina) of Virginia, their children Catherine Provost, Richard Provost and Christina Thompson, and their grandchildren. 

He graduated from Bishop Bradley High School, Saint Anselm College, and Georgetown School of Dentistry, and completed his internship and residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Yale New Haven University Hospital.  Upon completion of those studies, Dr. Hurley enlisted in the United States Air Force and served proudly as a Captain and surgeon while stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.  Before opening his practice here in New Hampshire, he completed a didactic year at Tufts University.

Dr. Hurley returned to Manchester to open his oral surgery practice on Webster Street until his retirement.  His kindness, humor and gentle manner always put his patients at ease.  Dr. Hurley was a past president of the Manchester Dental Society.  He was the proud sponsor of numerous youth teams including the Challenger Division at Manchester North Little League and Manchester Regional Youth Hockey Association for many years. 

He was a devout Catholic who instilled a strong sense of family and faith. He would be seen regularly attending Mass at his alma matter, St. Anselm College, and strolling through the campus grounds.

One of his passions was his Irish roots especially his special “slice of heaven” in County Kerry, Ireland.  His other passions included a love of history, wood carving, reading and writing his own novels and ice hockey.  His love of hockey began at Dorrs Pond playing with friends and continued into a coaching career that eventually had him coaching in the Manchester Regional Youth Hockey Association.  He then moved on to coach at Trinity High School. While there he enjoyed great long term success and led the team to a state championship in 1988.  His efforts were rewarded with his 2014 induction into the Manchester Catholic High School Athletic Hall of Fame.  His influence on all his former players can still be felt today. In recent years, although unable to attend his grandchildren’s games, he faithfully watched and rooted for them via Live Barn streaming service and eagerly awaited their postgame phone calls to discuss the game and congratulate them, no matter the outcome. 

In addition to his affection for Trinity High School hockey, his favorite teams were the New York Giants, Montreal Canadians, as well as the Boston Bruins, only at the nudging of his family.

Doc was a uniquely kind and loving soul with a strong faith, large heart, soothing smile, and that unmistakable twinkle in his eyes.  He will be sorely missed and leaves behind a legacy of family, love, kindness, gentle strength and the happiness that his family will carry on in his memory. 

Calling hours at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St, corner of North St, will be Monday from 4 to 7 pm.  A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Catherine Church, Hemlock St, on Tuesday at 10 am.  Burial with military honors will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Bedford.

Donations may be made in his memory to the charity of one’s choice.