John Alonzo Hurst

Warwick Beacon ·

John Alonzo Hurst, passed away at Brentwood Nursing Home, on February 26, 2018 at the age of 93.

John is predeceased by his father Alonzo Hurst and his mother Queenie Saxon. John was born in Providence, Rhode Island in 1924 and he graduated from Mount Pleasant High School. John saw action in World War II as a top tail gunner on TBF Avenger Bomber, where he learns to fly in the Navy. He graduated from Military training in the top of his class and was stationed on the USS Enterprise, in the Pacific Theatre earning 3 medals. John worked as a pilot opening his own charter business, doing traffic reports and was a flight instructor. He was also flying customers for C.I.Hayes to the company out of Hillsgrove Airport, in Warwick.

He later became the manager of Hayes Heat Treating, and worked there for over 25 years, until his retirement. John was a 32nd Degree Master Mason, from the Harmony Lodge # 9. John was a champion horseshoe pitcher in his early years, winning the men’s division in Providence. He also enjoyed ice dancing with his wife Mary. Other sports where he excelled in were golf and bowling, he won many awards, and trophies.

John is survived by two sons and his daughters-in-law: Alan Hurst and his wife Jayne, John Hurst and his wife Louisa and daughter-in-law Doreen Anderson. John is also lovingly remembered by his numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by two brothers: Ken Hurst and Ronald Hurst, his longtime partner Lucille Baker, and his children Jean Hurst and Gary Hurst.

The visitation will be held Saturday March 3, 2018 from 9:00-11:00 a m. in the Urquhart – Murphy Funeral Home, 800 Greenwich Avenue, Warwick, followed by a graveside service at 12:00 noon in the Highland Memorial Park Cemetery, 1 Rhode Island Avenue, Johnston, RI. Burial with Military Honors will follow. Relatives and friends are invited to attend.

Gifts in his memory, may be sent to the Harmony Lodge # 9, 1237 Reservoir Avenue, Cranston, RI, 02920. www.murphyfuneralhomes.org