John L. Morandi

John L. Morandi, 80, of Bennington passed away unexpectedly at home on December 7, 2024.
John was born to Francis and Janice (Szetela) Morandi in North Adams, MA on April 30, 1944. He attended Drury High School and graduated college from Berkshire Community College with an Associate's degree. John worked in manufacturing and quality control, retiring from ChemFab in North Bennington. He married Helen Burgess of Bennington on July 9, 1976.
In the 1970s, John began training with the Bennington Rescue Squad, which was volunteer at the time. He achieved the level of EMTI and proudly served for nearly 20 years. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus #207, helping to build a new chapel at Camp Holy Cross outside of Burlington. John was also a familiar face at various locations around town while handing out Tootsie Rolls to help raise money for special needs children all over Vermont.
In his earlier years, Mr. Morandi took up skydiving. Just over the age of 30, he took up running to stay in shape and enjoyed the camaraderie of local races. His proudest achievements in this field was completing a half marathon in Manchester, VT, and running to the top of Mount Equinox. Before and after his retirement, John spent a month of three summers working at a gold mining camp in Nome, AK. He enjoyed this because he got to meet people from all over the United States there.
After retirement, John and Helen cruised the Inner Passage of Alaska. They also enjoyed traveling to Ireland together. Beyond that, he also traveled to Australia and New Zealand with a group from MAUHS. After his travels, John spent time being a substitute paraeducator in the local school system. He took great pride in this phase of his life.
Besides his wife of 48 years, Mr. Morandi is survived by two daughters, Lisa Morris of Maryland, and Erin Morandi of Bennington. John also leaves his grandchildren, Evan and Jillian Morris, his brother, Francis "Butch" Morandi, and several loving nieces and nephews. John shared a special connection with his great-nephew and niece, Damon and Alana Burgess. He was also especially fond of his daughter's cat, Boscoe.
A celebration of John's life is planned for April, 2025 at a date and place to be determined. Should friends desire, they may donate to the Bennington Free Library or Second Chance Animal
Shelter in his honor. John was a voracious reader and loved animals.