John T. Chard

1932 - 2023

Dr. John Turner Chard of Brattleboro, VT, passed away on April 8, 2023 in the comfort of his home, surrounded by family. Born in Elizabeth, NJ he was the son of Roland Turner and Kathleen Cottell Chard. John was the beloved husband of Sen. Nancy Chard, and a well-respected orthopedic surgeon at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital for 46 years.

John graduated with an electrical engineering degree from Princeton University in the class of 1954. He then attended Cornell Medical School graduating in 1958. He completed his surgical residency program at the University of Rochester from 1958-1960. He then entered the US Air Force, serving as a Captain on Active Duty at Incirlik Air Base in Turkey from 1959-1962 (Reserves through 1972). John married Nancy Imlay on August 31, 1961 in Athens, Greece. They returned to Rochester in 1963 where he completed an orthopedic surgery residency at the same university from 1963-1966, leaving as Chief Resident. He was certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery in 1968 and became a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons in 1969. He was founding partner of Orthopedic Associates of Brattleboro. John served as President of the Vermont State Medical Society in 1999 and in our local community in many capacities including as a member of the local school board, Brattleboro Development Review Board, and was often seen at BUHS sporting events serving as the attending physician.

John was a dedicated medical professional who deeply cared for his community and state. Throughout his life, John enjoyed skiing, white water canoeing, camping and gardening. John is survived by Susan Iger (sister); Jean Chard (sister-in-law), Sara Chard (daughter); Joshua Chard (son) and wife Heather Cutting Chard; Burtis Chard (son); and grandchildren: Victoria Pease; Nicholas Pease; John Pease; Jackson Chard; Rachel Chard; and great-grandson, Bradley Pease. He is also survived by five nieces and their families. John was preceded in death by his wife, Sen. Nancy Imlay Chard and his brother, David Edward Chard.

A remembrance for John will be held in the spring. The exact date, time and location of the event have yet to be determined. Family and friends are invited to express their condolences and fond memories of John. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite local healthcare charity, Windham County Humane Society or the Vermont Land Trust.

To share a memory or send messages of e-condolence to the family please visit www.atamaniuk.com.