John Martin Anderson

1931 - 2020

Anderson, John Martin
John Martin Anderson, of Haddam, CT, April 28, 1931-Dec. 6, 2020, 89 years old. John passed away peacefully in his home, after a beautiful day of family and friends setting up and decorating the Christmas tree he had picked out two weeks earlier, and his favorite, The Sound of Music, playing in the background. Half an hour after everyone had told him that they loved him and gone home, he quietly died in his sleep with his daughters by his side.
Born in Concord, NH, John was the youngest of three sons of Henry and Eleanor (Foy) Anderson. John graduated from Concord High School in 1950, and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Marines. He served in the Korean War, and continued his service domestically, achieving the rank of Sergeant. He graduated from Keene State College and later returned to school to complete two master's degrees. John served as a school principal in New Hampshire, and after moving to Connecticut, worked as a director of special education before he settled into teaching 5th grade, his favorite, at Bielefield School in Middletown for more than 25 years.
In June of 1957, John married Jaqueline Beglinger. They were married for 53 years, until Jackie's death in 2010. They had three children, Lee, Scott and Kearen. John is survived by daughter Lee, her husband Steve, and their children Anthony and Jo; and daughter Kearen Enright, and her husband Mike, and their children, Scott Ryan, Caroline, Gracie, and Lucas; and by his brother Paul, his wife Jeanne, and many nieces and nephews.
John was predeceased by his son Scott, and his oldest brother Roland.
After retiring, John and Jackie traveled all over the world including: Europe, Africa, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, and Israel. In addition to traveling, John loved to volunteer. He was a character.... His family often teased that he had "multiple historic personality disorder". He loved to present programs at various schools, libraries, and community centers in full authentic costume as Ebenezer Scrooge, Abraham Lincoln, colonial minutemen, John Hancock, or as other historic figures with tales of other times and from other parts of the world. He loved life, adventure, and most of all he loved to tell stories of adventures. He was eccentric, but kind and generous to all.
After Jackie's death, John reconnected with a childhood friend, Kay Rallis, at a high school reunion. She too lost her spouse after a long marriage. The two had known each other for over 80 years, and a new relationship blossomed between them. Until his death, John thought of Kay, and daughters, and grandchildren, as his second family.
Due to Covid 19, a private burial is planned. Hopefully next summer – when gatherings are again safe- a larger celebration of his life will be possible, for everyone to attend. To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.