Dr. John Donald Hurley, of Norwell, died peacefully, surrounded by his family on Monday, August 17, 2026, at the South Shore Hospital in Weymouth. He was 87.

John was born in Boston on May 6, 1939, he was the son of the late Frank and Helen (Woods) Hurley. He was raised in Dorchester, a place that remained an important part of his roots. On May 24, 1969, he married the love of his life, Judith, at St. Brendan’s Church in Dorchester. Together, they built a loving family and a life filled with devotion, laughter, and countless memories.

John was a proud graduate of Boston University, where he received his doctorate in Psychology, and went on to build an extraordinary career in psychology and education. For 53 years, he was a beloved professor at Stonehill College, where he founded the Psychology Department and inspired generations of students. His dedication to teaching was recognized when he received the Louise F. Hegarty Award for Excellence in Teaching.

John was a clinical psychologist specializing in obsessive-compulsive and anxiety disorders. He practiced clinically and instructed residents at Massachusetts General Hospital prior to opening his own private practice. Throughout his career, he helped countless people struggling with mental health challenges. In fact, many of his patients referred to him as the "Muhammad Ali" of psychology. His work was not simply a profession; it was a calling. Even toward the end of his life, John continued seeing patients, remaining committed to helping others for as long as he could.

Intelligent, exceptionally clever, and endlessly curious, John had a remarkable ability to fix, build, or figure out just about anything. He loved understanding how things worked and creating things with his own hands, from making clocks to enjoying his model trains. An avid reader and accomplished pianist, he had a deep appreciation for classical music and was a proud member of the Radio Club of America. He also had a particular appreciation for a good beer and delighted in trying different varieties. John was especially proud of his Irish heritage and never missed an opportunity to proudly remind someone that he was an Irish citizen.

For all of John’s professional accomplishments, his greatest joy and deepest pride was his family. He was caring, generous, humble, and unwaveringly devoted to those he loved. He would do anything for his family and cherished every moment they shared. He adored his wife and his daughters, who were truly his universe, and he took immense pride and joy in being a grandfather to his four grandchildren. His family was the center of his world, and the love he had for them was evident in all that he did.

John had a wonderfully playful spirit and a great sense of humor. He never lost his ability to find joy in the little things, and his warmth and quick wit made him a memorable presence to everyone who knew him. He especially loved Christmas—perhaps bordering on an obsession—and embraced everything about the holiday, from its traditions and celebrations to the simple joy of being together with family. For John, Christmas was about creating memories, sharing laughter, and making the season special for the people he loved.

Some of John’s happiest moments were the simplest ones, spent surrounded by family. He especially cherished Sunday dinners with his wife, daughters, son-in-law, and grandchildren. Deciding what would be on the menu could occupy much of the day, but once everyone gathered around the table, the evening was filled with laughter, interesting conversation, and the simple pleasure of being together with the people he loved most.

John's professional legacy is measured not only in the students he taught or the Psychology Department he founded, but in the countless people whose lives he touched through his work as a psychologist. His personal legacy is even greater.

John was the beloved husband of Judith Lillian (Hebb) Hurley of Norwell. He was the devoted father to Christine Hunt and her husband Sean of Hanover, and Leah Hurley Hamilton of Hanover. John was the loving grandfather of Addison and Gavin Hunt, Chase and Sadie Hamilton, all of Hanover. He was the dear brother of Gerald Hurley and his late wife Gertraud of Concord, William Hurley and his wife Elizabeth of Braintree, the late Frank Hurley and his wife Ruth Hurley, the late Helen Forbes and her husband Buddy, and the late James Hurley and wife Katherine. John is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, many colleagues and friends.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, from 4-7 PM in the McDonald Keohane Funeral Home SOUTH WEYMOUTH at 809 Main Street (Route 18 opposite of South Shore Hospital).

A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home at 8 AM on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, prior to the Funeral Mass at Our Lady of the Angels Parish in St. Mary of the Sacred Heart Church, Hanover, at 9 AM.

Services will conclude with interment in Washington Street Cemetery, Norwell.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in John's name to the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute by clicking here or Shriners Children's Hospital by clicking here.