WYMAN, John Cragin
Of Chestnut Hill and Marion, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2024.
John was born in Westfield, Massachusetts on July 10, 1941, the son of Raymond Wyman and Helen Cragin Wyman and lived in Westfield until he was five, at which time the family moved to Amherst as Raymond was hired as a professor at what became the University of Massachusetts.
John attended schools in Amherst and graduated from Amherst College in 1963 and from the University of Chicago Law School in 1965.
John began his long career in the law with the U. S. Department of Justice. The buildup to the Vietnam War intervened and John entered military service as an aide to AG Major General Julian Wilson in Heidelberg, Germany. Upon his return to the U. S., he was hired as law clerk to Federal District Court Judge W. Arthur Garrity in Boston. Subsequently, he entered private practice in Boston, first with the firm of Herrick & Smith, then with Roche, Carens and DeGiacomo, which merged with a Connecticut firm, Murtha Cullina LLP in 2000.
The principal focus of his practice was litigation involving defense of product liability cases. He tried several cases involving airplane crashes and hazardous chemicals.
John loved Chestnut Hill and Marion. He served for thirty years as Chairman of the Chestnut Hill Historic District. He also enjoyed driving his ‘62 Buick convertible around Marion and visiting old car meets. He also enjoyed travel, visiting Europe, Egypt and China during his travels. John was exceedingly generous with his time, wisdom and skills, helping multiple generations of the family and friends with legal questions, home improvement projects and advice.
John leaves his loving wife of 60 years, Judith (Koch) Wyman; and his beloved daughter, Samantha Platt and her husband, Brian; and granddaughter, Emma. He also leaves his loving brother, David B. Wyman and his wife, Rosemary of Castine, Maine; and numerous nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his sister, Margaret (“Bunnie”) Wyman Tent.
John was a long-time member of The First Church in Chestnut Hill and a Memorial Service will be held there in the Spring. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the church or to MSPCA Angell Animal Hospital.