Yarmouth, MA – John (Bud) Hollingsworth, a beloved figure in the communities of Yarmouth and Reading, MA, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was 97 years old.

John was born in Peabody, MA, on April 4, 1927, to Tynne (Kushmick), a Russian immigrant, and Jack Hollingsworth. He graduated from Peabody High School in 1944 and briefly attended the University of New Hampshire (UNH). He paused his education to join the US Navy during World War II. After his service, he returned to UNH and completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Business. Later, he earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Salem State University.

During his time at UNH, John excelled in various sports, including football, basketball, hockey, and golf. After graduating, he became a football coach at UNH for two years. He then moved on to Yarmouth High School (MA), where he coached football, basketball, and baseball. His love for baseball led him to play in the prestigious Cape Cod Baseball League for an impressive 13 years. As an avid golfer, he achieved the title of six-time Club Champion at Bass River Golf Club and even scored five hole-in-ones.

In 1955, John began his teaching career as a math teacher, football coach, and golf coach at Reading Memorial High School (MA). He served as Director of Athletics his last seven years. His impact extended far beyond the classroom and the field, leaving an indelible mark on the school and the town. John’s dedication to education and coaching earned him a place in the Massachusetts High School Coaches Hall of Fame and the Reading High Hall of Fame. In 2011, the Reading football field was fittingly named “John Hollingsworth Field” in his honor, a tribute that touched him deeply. Beyond his professional achievements, John’s compassion and sense of service shone through. He always volunteered to help many organizations and often made Christmas wreaths for his customers and neighbors.
During the Vietnam War, he corresponded with hundreds of former players and students, creating a beautiful memorial program to honor those who lost their lives in service to their country. And he will always be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor. “Bud” retired in 1982 and settled full-time on Cape Cod. There, he founded Hollingsworth Landscaping, a business he maintained until the age of 83. He also kept busy with his own lobster pots in the Cape Cod Canal, and enjoyed many delicious clam bakes in his backyard.

John was predeceased by his devoted wife of 55 years, Nancy. He leaves behind his loving wife of 10 years, Dotty. He was the cherished father of Pam Hollingsworth (Dennis Port, MA), Jack Hollingsworth and his wife Shannon (Austin, TX), and Ken Hollingsworth and his wife Sandra (Franklin, NH). He was the proud grandfather of Brian Hurley (Dennis Port), Scott Hollingsworth (Manchester, NH), Eric Hollingsworth and his wife SooHee (Somerville, MA), Emma and Audrey Hollingsworth (Austin, TX), and great-grandfather of Ava Hollingsworth.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday May 24, 2024 at 11:00 am, at the So. Yarmouth United Methodist Church, 318 Old Main St., So. Yarmouth, MA 02664. Reception to follow immediately after the service at The Lighthouse Inn, West Dennis, MA. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the Reading Scholarship Foundation to create an annual "John Hollingsworth Scholarship". Those gifts can be mailed to PO Box 492, Reading, MA 01867 or can be given online at https://readingsf.org/

Pam: Thinking of you & your family Blessings,Jo Anne Kenney McClendon,Westford,Ma

Loads of respect Coach, I still remember putting pumpkins on your lawn as was the tradition in High School. As good as you were as a coach, you were an even better person. Your smile I still remember like it was yesterday. RIP coach. Dean, Reading