John A. Twombly

John A Twombly of Lexington, MA passed peacefully on October 10, 2026 at the age of 91 after a brief illness. 

Born in Pittsburg, PA in 1935; son of the late Charles Donald Twombly and the late Martha (Ross) Twombly. 

He was the beloved husband of the late Elizabeth (Epling) Twombly of Lexington, MA and stepfather of Gregory Levine of Junction City, Oregon. He was the brother of Malcolm S. Ross and his wife Sheryll of Wolfeboro, NH, and the brother of the late Donald William Twombly of Wakefield MA and his wife Blanche. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews.

John, in an early grade, had a childhood sickness that kept him back a grade and he wound up in the same grade as his younger brother Mal from third grade onward. They both graduated from Malden High School in 1954. John was an outstanding student academically and was always quiet and reserved. John was in college prep courses, a member of the National Honor Society and was active in after school activities.

Upon graduation John was accepted at Boston University in the Geology program. At the end of his freshman year John left college to voluntarily join the army and service his country. John’s service training was as a surveyor. He went to boot camp at Fort Drum in New Jersey and served overseas in the Pacific at New Guinea sites for US forces. 

When John returned home, he was happy to be back working as a surveyor. John enjoyed working in the field alone or in small teams. The north woods of New England were the location of his work and the mountains were his pleasure. He often went camping and met his wife, Liz, on a camping trip. They both eventually retired in Lexington. John was very active in the Seniors Programs in Lexington and played billiards with a senior’s team and ping pong with older brother, Don. John was very active in his community until his health decline in May, 2026.

The family will hold a private service.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory can be made to Appalachian Mountain Club, 10 City Square, Suite 6, Boston, MA 02129 or via their website: https://www.outdoors.org/donate/tribute-gifts .