Massachusetts soldier, who died while on active duty, honored, remembered as hard worker

Governor Maura Healey ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff yesterday in honor of United States Navy Petty Officer Third Class Jaden Booker of Hanson, Massachusetts.

Booker, born December 9, 2003, passed away on November 27, 2025, while stationed in Georgia with the United States Navy. He was a loving husband to his wife Jo’Niyah, and a doting father to their infant daughter Lay’lani. 

Jaden graduated from Whitman-Hanson Regional High School in 2022, where he played varsity baseball. He also loved bowling, ping pong, and other recreational sports that connected him with the people he loved, including improvised games and hijinks with his cousins. Jaden also played piano with an uncanny musical fluency, composing musical selections on the spot. He was known for spontaneously bursting into incredible dance moves when so inspired, often inviting his cousins to join in. Many fond family memories center on the uninhibited joy and love Jaden brought to those around him. 

As a military police officer with the United States Navy, Jaden is remembered as a hard worker committed to fulfilling his responsibilities while also supporting the growth and advancement of his junior colleagues. 

Jaden’s memory is cherished by his loving wife Jo’Niyah, daughter Lay’lani, mother Alena and her partner Jeffrey, father Kristopher, sister Alexa, niece Violet, grandparents Richard and Mary, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Visitation was held at McDonald Keohane Funeral Home, 809 Main Street, South Weymouth, Massachusetts, on Tuesday. A memorial service was held at the same location on Wednesday.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made in Jaden’s honor to Stop Soldier Suicide, at stopsoldiersuicide.org.