WEYBRIDGE — John Barnett Shandrow Sr. of Weybridge passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Nov. 28, 2019, at the age of 90.
He was born in Bridport, Vt., to Hollis and Agnes (St. John) Shandrow on July 13, 1929. The family moved to Middlebury in 1936 upon the death of his father. John graduated from Middlebury High School in 1947. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served three years, including serving in Korea. Upon completion of his military duty, he returned to Middlebury and married the love of his life, Grace D’Avignon. They were married for 48 wonderful years.
In his early years, John worked several jobs, including as a cook at Middlebury College and owning and running his own hot dog stand. He eventually settled into a job at Simmonds Precision for 36 years, retiring in 1991.
He had many hobbies, including carpentry. He built his home in Weybridge as well as two camps on Lake Dunmore, which the family continues to enjoy today. He got his pilot’s license and loved to fly his small plane. He inspired his son, John Jr., to also obtain his pilot license and they shared many trips to Oshkosh, Wis., to attend air shows. He loved to tinker in his workshop, rebuilding several antique tractors, airplanes, and many other projects.
He is survived by his sister, Sybil Shandrow Sheehy, of Middlebury, son John Jr. and his wife, Linda, and two granddaughters, Samantha Shandrow and her husband Charles, and Nicolle Cote and husband Houston. He also leaves two grandsons, Nicholas Piper and his wife Koreen, and Ryan Piper, as well as one great-grandson. He was predeceased by his wife, Grace, in 1999; daughters Linda Shandrow in 1962 and Sandra Shandrow Piper in 2003; and son-in-law Ron Piper in 2007.
Calling hours were held at Sanderson Funeral Home on Sunday, Dec. 1 from 4-6 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by Fr. Yvon Royer at St. Mary’s Church in Middlebury on Monday, Dec. 2, at 11 a.m.
Burial will be Private.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Addison County Home Health and Hospice at P.O. Box 754, Middlebury, VT 05753.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Sanderson-Ducharme Funeral Home.◊