John C. Roorda

John Charles Roorda, 94, of Essex Junction, VT, died with his wife, Edwina, and son, Tim, on either side of his bed on May 9, 2025, after a short illness.
John was the son of Richard and Emma (Visser) Roorda. He was born in Prospect Park, NJ on March 19, 1931. After high school, John joined the United States Air Force and was stationed in Korea for over a year. He was proud of his military service. After leaving the Air Force, he went to work for IBM in Poughkeepsie, NY. A few years later, John was asked to go to Vermont to help set up the new plant in Essex Junction. In 1971, John left IBM and worked in both California and Pennsylvania. He returned to Vermont in 1975 and worked for the Department of Labor and Industry for the State of Vermont in Montpelier.
John met Edwina Leahey in 1979, and they married on July 18, 1995, in Castleton, VT. They lived in Essex Junction.
In addition to Edwina, he is survived by his children, John David Roorda (Cindy), Karen Ortiz (Anthony), Tammy Patton (Mark), Timothy Roorda, and Thomas Roorda. John was also Papa to many grandchildren and a great-granddaughter. He is further survived by his siblings, Agnes Culver, Frederick Roorda (Lora), Sylvia Roorda, and Joyce Roorda, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sons Richard and Stephen, and his brother, Sydney.
Visitation will take place on Wednesday, May 28th from 10-11 a.m. at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 158 West Street, Essex Junction. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in John's memory at 11 a.m. A reception will immediately follow Mass at the Holy Family Parish Hall, 36 Lincoln Street, Essex Junction.
Contributions maybe made made in John's Memory to the Vermont Food Bank PO Box 471 Brattleboro VT 05302.
Arrangements are in the care of Ready Funeral & Cremation Services.