John Mayer Kahn
John Mayer Kahn, longtime Framingham resident, attorney, public servant, educator, and devoted family man, May 30, 2026, passed away at the age of 95.
Born in Long Branch, New Jersey, to Harry Joseph Kahn and Hannah Morris Kahn, John built a life defined by intellectual curiosity, civic dedication, and deep commitment to family and community. He graduated from Rutgers University in 1951 and earned his law degree from Harvard Law School in 1954.
Following law school, John proudly served his country during the Korean War as an officer in the United States Navy. After completing Officer Candidate School and Navy Supply Corps School, he served aboard the USS Tarawa (CVS-40) and the USS Hissem (DER-400). He was discharged in 1957 with the rank of Lieutenant, USNR.
That same year, John and his wife, Rona Fisher Kahn, settled in Framingham, where they would build their family and where John would devote decades of service to his community. Married on June 10, 1956, John and Rona shared nearly seventy years together.
John enjoyed a distinguished legal career as a litigator, practicing with Peabody, Koufman & Brewer, which later became Hill & Barlow, from 1957 until his retirement in 1996. Over the course of his career, he was admitted to practice before numerous state and federal courts, including the United States Supreme Court, the United States Tax Court, and several federal appellate and district courts. He also served as Navy Trial and Defense Counsel during his military service.
In addition to practicing law, John taught debate at Boston College in the 1950s, sharing his love of thoughtful discourse and civic engagement with his students.
John’s contributions to Framingham civic life were extraordinary and spanned more than five decades. He served in numerous leadership positions, including Town Moderator, Town Counsel, member and Chair of the Board of Selectmen, Chair of the Town Government Study Committee, member and Chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals, and Chair of several important municipal search committees. He was an early and steadfast supporter of Framingham’s Town form of government and served on the Governor’s Committee on Implementation of the Home Rule Amendment.
His commitment to education and public service continued through his work on the School Committee for the Keefe Regional Technical School, the Council on Aging, literacy volunteer programs, and numerous civic task forces and community organizations. At Temple Beth Sholom, John served in many leadership roles, including President and Chair of the Rabbi Search Committee.
Throughout his life, John was recognized for his integrity, sound judgment, and dedication to public service. He received multiple commendations and certificates of appreciation for his advocacy, community action, and work supporting legal services for underserved residents.
Beyond his professional and civic accomplishments, John was a man of many interests. He was an avid woodworker who lovingly crafted furniture for his home and for his daughters’ homes, as well as miniature furniture and even caskets for beloved family pets. He was a devoted reader of history, biography, and nonfiction, an enthusiastic traveler, and a lifelong lover of animals, especially his cats and dogs.
John was predeceased by his son, Steven J. Kahn. He is survived by his wife, Rona Fisher Kahn; his daughters, Meredith Jo (MJ) Kahn and Susan Kahn; his daughter-in-law, Mary (Donatelli) Kahn; his granddaughters, Allison (Kahn) Bobby and her husband Matthew Bobby, and Hannah (Kahn) Brinker and her husband Jason Brinker; and his great-grandchildren, Elliott Joseph Bobby, Caleb Matthew Bobby, Charlotte Rose Brinker, and Steven Vincent Brinker.
John will be remembered for his brilliant mind, steady leadership, deep generosity, and unwavering commitment to both justice and community. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished and the town he served so faithfully for nearly seventy years.
Funeral services will be private. Shiva will be at the Shillman House, 49 Edmands Rd., Framingham Wednesday 1:45 pm to 3:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of John Kahn can be sent to the Steven J. Kahn WPI Glee Club endowment. Gifts can be made via check or online, https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/40435/donations/new?designation=gleeclubendowmentfund& or a charity of your choice.