Jonathan Huntington

1928 - 2023

Jonathan Huntington

Loudon, NH - Jonathan Huntington died joyfully, in his home on December 8, 2023. He died the way he lived, with determination, hard work, and knowing his family was cared for. Jonathan loved his family, helping others, the land, and God.

Jonathan was born September 12, 1928 to Catherine A. (Bawden) and David H.S. Huntington in Southport Ct. He graduated from Roger Ludlowe HS and earned his degree in dairy science at UNH. He was drafted for the Korean War but served as a mess sergeant during the German occupation.

He married Eleanor J. Rippe September 25, 1954, at Green's Farms Church, her family's heritage church in Westport Ct. Jonathan and Eleanor settled in Southport, CT where they raised their three children. A devout husband and dad, Jonathan served his community in many capacities: president of the PTA at Mill Hill School and was active with his sons in the YMCA Indian Guides. Jonathan was very devoted to God and his church. He was a member of Green's Farms Church where he served as a deacon and a Sunday school teacher. He and Eleanor were famous for running many church suppers each year and were both involved in guiding decisions in the preservation and growth of the church.

From an early age, working hard came naturally to Jonathan. He started with a paper route as a young boy, Mercurio's supermarket in high school, and Nyala Farm through his college and army years. After he married, he started a successful career as a bread man for Pepperidge Farm. Farming was always in his blood so he often found himself working at Eleanor's dad's family farm stand, Rippe Farms in Westport CT. He eventually took over and ran the farm until 1976 when they decided to dig up their deep Connecticut roots and move to Loudon, NH. Here they purchased Pleasant View Gardens and with the help of their two sons, grew it into a multinational, third generation business recognized for its excellence in growing and its establishment as a founding partner in Proven Winners. To his last day, he often recalled how fortunate he was and how his success would not be what it was without the hundreds of past and present employees he considered family.

Following their move to NH, Jonathan continued his commitment to community and church life. He and Eleanor became members of the First Congregational church in Concord, NH where he served as a trustee and member on several committees. In the town of Loudon where he served two decades on the planning board and zoning board. Later in life, he took great pleasure in beautifying the town by planting flowers around the municipal buildings including planting a "happy face" garden and lighting a Christmas tree at the main intersection in town.

While post-retirement brought them all over the country and world, they cherished the time with their family the most. Gatherings at the lake in Weare, on Anna Marie Island, FL in the winter, or just at home with everyone in Loudon, the treasured comings and goings never ended.

Jonathan was predeceased by his wife, Eleanor, his infant son, Jonathan Sherwood, his parents, sister and husband Ann and Robert Grose, brother-in-laws; Robert Vannerson, Robert Rippe and wife Skip, and sister-in-law Joan Huntington. He is survived by his three children: Jeffrey R. and wife Erlyan of Loudon, Anne G. and partner Lorna of Holliston, MA, and Henry L. and wife Daphne of Loudon. He is also survived by his five grandsons: Andy and wife Amanda, Benjamin and wife Sarah, Jonathan S and wife Doni, Henry and wife Alisa, Eric R., five step-grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. Also survived by his brother, David, Sisters Alice Vannerson, and Catherine Russell and husband Robb, as well as his former daughter in laws, Carol L. Huntington and Sharon R. Huntington, and many nieces and nephews. His family would like to send their thanks for the care, devotion, and friendship of Jonathan's caretaker, Billie Blodgett.

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to; The University of New Hampshire, Huntington family scholarship or the Eleanor Rippe Huntington Nursing scholarship.

Calling hours will be held on Friday December 15, 2023 from 4pm to 7pm at the Bennett Funeral Home 209 North Main Street Concord, NH 03301. The family will be holding a celebration of life at the, Gardens in Loudon, NH in June of 2024.

The Bennett Funeral Home 209 N. Main St. Concord, NH 03301 is assisting the family with arrangements.