John Taylor Phinney, 65, of Marlborough, Massachusetts, passed away unexpectedly on June 17, 2024, on his beloved Tuckernuck Island. John was a loving father, husband, brother, and friend.

Born in Allentown, Pennsylvania in 1959, John was the second son of Morris Phinney, Jr. and Judith (Piper) Phinney. He was a proud athlete while he attended Lawrence Academy, as captain of his baseball and football teams and co-captain of his wrestling team. Of his many professional accomplishments, John often spoke proudly of his time with Matsushita Electric where he increased sales exponentially, traveled the world, and presented on new technology. In 2002, he became the owner of a family granite kitchen and countertop business, The Cutting Edge Stoneworks, in Leominster, Massachusetts, which tapped into his entrepreneurial and creative talents. He ran that company for 20 years, selling it and retiring in October of 2021.

Anyone who met John instantly recognized his love for building and tinkering, his enthusiasm for island life, his obsession with The Beatles, and his passion for history. He was a dreamer who made his dreams come true, such as meeting Sir Paul McCartney in person. He was also a self-taught guitarist who was just as talented as many of the musical artists he loved. He was a proud historian of the Phinney family lineage, often telling others about their early settlement on Nantucket and Cape Cod. This history includes his favorite place, Tuckernuck Island, which the Phinney family has called their summer home for many generations. John shared this oasis with many of his friends and upon retirement, he fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a caretaker for many of the homes on the Island.

A friend to all, filled with kindness and generosity, he will forever be with us in spirit. His survivors include his wife, Kara; his three children, Judith Nicole (Brendon), Elizabeth Piper, and John Taylor “JT”; three stepchildren, Samuel, Ryan, and Charles; grandchildren, Colton and Beckett; stepmother, Karen; older brother, Morris “Joe”; sister, Jennifer (Timothy); and brother, Harry (Kate). He joins his late sister, Sarah in heaven. 

Private services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Tuckernuck Land Trust.

“And when the night is cloudy there is still a light that shines on me, shinin’ until tomorrow, let it be.”