John Peter Mustonen, Jr.

John Peter Mustonen, Jr. Age 81, of Walpole, died June 24, 2026. Born in Milford in 1945, he spent nearly his entire life on Willett Pond in Walpole, where he and his wife of 57 years, Janet Frances (Baril) Mustonen, built their home on the same property, where he had grown up. The pond was the center of his world, a place where he watched sunsets, observed wildlife, and gathered family and friends by the water. A devoted member and director of the Willett Pond Association for many years, he worked to protect and preserve it throughout his life.

A graduate of Northeastern University with a degree in mechanical engineering, John spent his entire 47-year career at Stone & Webster, first as an engineer and later as a management consultant, retiring in 2018 after work that took him to more than two dozen countries, six continents, and 48 states. No matter where he traveled, family came first. He rarely missed a game, concert, recital, or milestone; coached youth baseball and softball; and served as a Boy Scout leader, the kind of father who was always present, supportive, and fun.

A passionate Boston sports fan, he and his son held Red Sox season tickets and were there in person for every World Series home game across all four championship runs. As a young man, he was a hot rodder and remained a self-taught mechanic throughout his life. In his later years, he was happiest on his tractor, tending his beloved 2.5-acre property, and watching the birds and wildlife that visited the yard.

Above all, John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose warmth, kindness, and love of life touched everyone he knew.

He was predeceased by his parents, John Peter and Ann (Myska) Mustonen; and his sister, Carol Corkery. He is survived by his wife, Janet; his son, Pete Mustonen and wife, Kristin (Shadford); his daughter, Erica Carter and husband, Josh; grandchildren, Clara and Ada Mustonen and Charlie and Tilly Carter; his sister, Joan Cleary; and brother-in-law, Donald Baril and wife, Nancy.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, Walpole. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Willett Pond Charitable and Protective Association (WPCPA) at willettpond.org or by check mailed to P.O. Box 9, East Walpole, MA 02032.