John Macomber was a devoted teacher, coach, and mentor at Coventry High School for more than 28 years.  He received his B.S. and M.S. from the University of Rhode Island and began his CHS career as a student teacher in 1969. He was hired as a Business teacher in 1970.

Mr. Macomber became a favorite teacher, inspiring and influencing the lives of thousands of students. He was the DECA advisor, preparing emerging leaders and entrepreneurs to be college and career ready; the founder and organizer of the DECA Giving Project, in addition to winning many awards at the state and national level.  Mr. Macomber participated in the Stock Market Game to connect his students to the global economy with virtual investing and real-world learning, winning top place in the state. He and his business students were responsible for running the school store, a teaching strategy to demonstrate real-world experiences. Mr. Macomber’s CHS Oaker pride was contagious. He loved participating in CHS Spirit Week, teachers’ basketball game, pie-eating contests, and the teacher skits in the Varsity Revue. In his early years, he was the Ski Club advisor, Chess Club advisor, and Driver’s Education teacher. Mr. Macomber’s coaching career at Coventry High School started with the very first CHS Soccer team. He also coached Baseball, and both Boys’ and Girls’ Tennis throughout his years at CHS. In 1990, John’s accomplishments were acknowledged with the prestigious State of Rhode Island Teacher of the Year award. He was also the recipient of the Coventry High School Teacher of the Year award. In addition to impacting the lives of students, John was an inspiring mentor to young teachers.

John served his Coventry community enthusiastically. He was a Tournament Director of the Coventry Open tennis tournaments; and ran free tennis clinics for the Coventry Recreation Department. In 1984, he and his family hosted students from the National Student Council Conference. John was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Parish Council President, Lector, and various committees and volunteering at Saints John and Paul Church in Coventry for 48 years. He was also a Coventry Food Bank volunteer and manager and coach for Central Coventry Little League. Farmer John, as his loyal customers lovingly called him, established and operated Macomber’s Blueberry Farm in Coventry for over 33 years. After retiring from CHS, John spent his winters in NH skiing and became a volunteer Ambassador for Loon Mountain. He was a proud Patriot Guard member, serving hundreds of missions around New England; and he earned his 100-Hour volunteer pin working with New England Disabled Veterans during their winter sport clinics.

John Macomber and his wife, Linda, have lived in Coventry for 48 years. They are the parents of four Coventry High School graduates: Julie (Class of ’92), Lisa (Class of ’95), Colleen (Class of ’04), and Alex (Class of ’06). His acts of charity at Coventry High School and in the community have touched the lives of so many. He dedicated his life to inspire by example; and a life that touches others, lives on forever.