John "Dayton" Cox

Beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend

John "Dayton" Cox, 66, of Tewksbury, formerly of Burlington, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Lowell General Hospital.

He was the loving husband of Suzanne (Lloyd) Cox who survives him and with whom he just celebrated 36 years of marriage.

Born on September 11, 1958, in Norfolk, VA, the late John C. and the late Janet (Arnold) Cox, and was a graduate of Newton High School. 

Currently, Dayton was a Customer Service Representative for Ocean State Job Lots in Bedford, MA. He was previously the co-owner of the Bostonian Market in Boston, and worked at Whole Foods in Bedford and Woburn.

Together with his wife, they were foster parents for DCF for 25 years to over 100 children. Their devotion and dedication to these children changed lives in a meaningful way. Dayton was well loved and will be greatly missed.

He was also very active in the Cub Scouts Pack 555 when his sons were young.

Besides his wife, Dayton is survived by his six children Philip Cox and his wife Erin (Keegan) of Billerica, MA, Jeremy Cox and his wife Carolyn (Keegan) of Nashua, NH, Shanica Cox and her partner James Mullen of Wilmington, MA, Manuel "Manny" Cox and his partner Nicole Fitzsimmons of Wilmington, MA, and Samuel Cox of Burlington, MA; Portia Cox of Attleboro, MA; six beloved grandchildren Shane A. and Finola C. Cox of Billerica, MA, Lilah J., Scott P., and Lexi G. Cox of Nashua NH, Darius V. Nickerson of Attleboro, MA; his lifelong friend Richard Smith of Timberlake, NC; as well as many extended family, friends and coworkers.   

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. E-condolences may be made at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make contributions in his Memory to  Helpis, 18 Terrace Hall Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803 or the Burlington Food Panty, 21 Murray Street, Burlington, MA 01803. Arrangements by the O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME - Lowell- MA - 978-458-8768.