John R. Tisdell

December 26, 1954 – November 5, 2024 It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of John Tisdell on November 5, 2024 at the age of 69. John was born on December 26 in Springfield, MA to the late Raymond and Anne Tisdell.

John was an engineer by profession and spent nearly 30 years at CIDRA Minerals Processing. Throughout life, his engineering aptitude was a gift to all as he was a self-taught fixer of everything. However, what truly defined John was his love for his life, his pride in his family and his natural ability to draw all to fall in love with him. He was considered by most to be the best friend, most genuinely kind person, and all around the most amazing soul. His signature smile and laugh were infectious. He was passionate about fishing, hunting, his dear friends, and of course, the Bruins. Most felt that to be in his circle was a gift and a privilege and his unrelenting spirit and authentically selfless nature left an indelible mark on all he met.

John's son was his most precious gift and his greatest success. He raised John with incredible strength, love, and devotion. When John met his beloved wife Kathy, he had a second opportunity to share his gift of being a remarkable father, as he adopted and raised her three children as his own. John was a family man to his core and becoming a grandfather became his greatest joy. John was the glue that held together the beautiful, blended family that he cherished.

John's legacy and love will be carried on by those who adored him. He was considered the best husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend. He leaves behind his wife and best friend, Kathleen Neilsen, as well as his cherished son John Tisdell and his wife Alexandra, and his stepchildren Jeffrey and Jen Neilsen, Kaitlin and Jaclyn Neilsen. He was an adored grandfather to Jack and Henry, Cameron, Connor, Luke and Logan. John is survived by his brother James Tisdell and his wife Kathleen and his sister Jane Duncan and her husband Alan, as well as his nephews and niece, Justin and Jeff Tisdell and Jessica Duncan. He will be dearly missed by all.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 PM at the Agawam Funeral Home, 184 Main Street, Agawam, Massachusetts. Friends and family will meet at the Agawam Funeral home on Thursday November 14th at 9:45 AM and will travel in procession to St. John the Evangelist Church, 833 Main Street, Agawam, Massachusetts for a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11:00AM. A Committal Service will follow at the Agawam Center Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to support the work of cardiology. Memorial gifts can be made online at www.bwhgiving.org or checks can be made payable to Brigham and Women's Hospital with "in memory of John Tisdell" in the memo line and sent to: Brigham and Women's Hospital, Development Office, 263 Huntington Ave #318, Boston, MA 02115-4506.