Necrology
John Allan Hussey '68
Oct. 23, 1946-Jan. 3, 2021
John Allan Hussey ’68 took great joy in building things — whether it be finely crafted woodwork for his old home, a Swampscott dory to explore the waters off Nantucket Island, or a farm where he bred rare animals.
Born on Oct. 23, 1946, in Summit, N.J., he was the eldest child of Allan and Margret Kuppers Hussey. At Hamilton, he excelled in mathematics and joined Sigma Phi fraternity; he completed his degree in 1969.
After college, Hussey moved to Massachusetts and settled on Nantucket Island where he established a career as a carpenter. There he met Laura Bredin, and the two were married in 1987. Together they restored and renovated an early house, for which he created beautiful wood installations, according to his family in a published obituary.
He also built a Swampscott dory, a traditional fishing boat, which will continue to be enjoyed by future Hussey generations on Nantucket.
In 1996, the Husseys left the Cape Cod area for Delhi, N.Y., where they established High Meadows Farm and began raising rare breed Suffolk Punch draft horses and Tamworth swine. He was dedicated to the life of the farm, often working the fields with a team of horses. In 2000, the farm hosted the annual gathering of the North American Suffolk Horse Association.
Hussey also was a devoted father and uncle who enjoyed sharing books, movies, and other activities. “There are endless stories of times with Johnny, his unique perspectives and engaging intransigence,” the obituary noted.
“In the community, he maintained principled commitments to various public causes throughout his life,” his family wrote. “At home, he loved fine wine, classical country music, and playing the guitar. He was a skilled master of The New York Times crossword (albeit a happier puzzler in the pre-Will Shortz era).”
Hussey died on Jan. 3, 2021, at the age of 74. He is survived by his wife, daughter, stepson, stepdaughter, four grandchildren, three siblings, and four nieces and nephews.
