NEWPORT, NH – John Andrew Hastings passed away peacefully in his home on Dec 28, after a short illness.
He was 64 years of age. John was born in Newport on May 15, 1960 to Richard and Joan Hastings. He grew up in Marlboro Mass. In 1978 he graduated from Assabet Valley Regional Vocational High School where he developed his talent for welding within his trade of choice. To Further his education, John attended and graduated from New Hampshire Vocational Technical College in Manchester.
He had a childhood passion for model building of cars and a lifelong love for dirt-bike motorcycling and watching drag and auto racing.
After college, John moved to Newport where he met and married his wife of 40yrs, Rebecca (Bailey) Hastings in 1984. He worked at various welding jobs including General Electric. After getting laid off, he pursued a mechanical engineering degree at NH Technical Institute in Concord, NH and graduated in 1993. While there, he got involved in a program for building and racing solar cars. For three yrs he passionately participated in the program and drove the car in races around New England.
After graduating from NHTI, O.D. Hopkins of Contoocook hired him as a draftsman. He enjoyed drawing roller coaster rides. He followed his boss from Hopkins, working for Flagship Business Enterprises. Working as a detailer for Multi Weld Services in Contoocook, NH, he worked on several projects for the government and helped with the refurbishing of the Lake Queen on Sunapee Lake. His boss is a college classmate and one of his best friends from Manchester.
Following his passion for photography he occasionally worked with Hal Johnson Photography. He was a member of the Newport Photography Club. There are very few pictures of John because he was always behind the camera. After rebuilding his Grandfathers GMC pickup, he and Becca became active participants in the Car Nutz car club. They enjoyed going to parades and car shows all over New England.
He was president of the trustees for the Church of the Good Shepherd, United Methodist Church in Newport. NH. With all of his passions, had a very generous spirit. He was always willing to help anyone with anything.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, two brothers Robert James Hastings of Punta Santago, Puerto Rico and his wife Keishya Salko, and Timothy Mark Hastings of Weare, NH. An Uncle Robert Hastings and his wife “Trinka” of Fairhope Alabama. Several In-Laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by both parents.
Service will be held at the Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist Church on Saturday January 4, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Church of the Good ShepherdUnited Methodist Church (COTGS-UMC) and mailed to P.O. Box 715, Newport, NH 03773.
To sign an online guestbook, please visit newtonbartlett.com.
