John Leo Raymond, son of Leo O. and Jean (Braley) Raymond, died at Beth Israel Hospital on June 25, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born on March 26, 1959, John attended Hyde Park public schools including the William Barton Rogers Middle School that would become his home after the building was converted to an LGBT-affirming apartment complex, The Pryde, in 2024.

An enthusiastic supporter of all things Hyde Park, John made a career of managing local MacDonald restaurants while participating for decades in the Hyde Park Neighborhood Association in multiple roles including as treasurer and ultimately as president. When in 2018 a housing crisis forced John to seek accommodation in Salem, the Hyde Park Bulletin ran a front-page story celebrating him, and Councilor Tim McCarthy’s office presented him with an award for community service, recognizing his devotion to the community. In 2025, John successfully managed the financial qualifications for residency at The Pryde, 55 Harvard Avenue, and was thrilled to return to his beloved Hyde Park.

At Pryde, John was a tireless advocate for the common-sense organizational strategies he'd polished at work and in community service, and was a beloved character known to every resident.

He is survived by a sister, Janice Miller, and a niece and nephew.

Friends wishing to commemorate John may donate to Northeast Boston Terrier Rescue (nebostonrescue.com) in recognition of his best friend, a Boston terrier named Coco. A remembrance memorial will be held at The Pryde Community Center (59 Harvard Ave. Hyde Park, MA 02136) on Saturday, September 19th from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.