John Stuart Wadsworth

John Stuart Wadsworth, 80, passed away peacefully at Grace Cottage Hospital on July 14, 2024, with his family at his side.
John was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on January 24, 1944 to Gertrude (Klitzke) MacDougall and Robert Wadsworth. In 1950, his family moved to Townshend, Vermont where John attended elementary school, graduating from Leland and Gray Seminary in 1962. He married his high school sweetheart, Sally Patrick, on June 26, 1965.
The couple moved to East Haddam, Connecticut where John was employed by Pratt and Whitney Aircraft for over 30 years as a mechanical engineer. His career was interrupted for four years while he proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He was a jet mechanic for the Navy's renowned flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels (1967-1968), a member of squadron VA-86 in Jacksonville, Florida, and spent six months aboard the aircraft carrier, U.S.S. Coral Sea. John and Sally's two children, Robert and Christine, were born while he was in the Navy.
After retiring from Pratt and Whitney, John fulfilled his dream of moving full time to Stratton, Vermont in 2005 where he had already built a ski house. He continued to use his many skills to enlarge the house, and oversee the building of a garage and barn. He loved living in Vermont again finally and enjoyed skiing, hiking, kayaking, golf, and traveling with his wife, relatives, and friends. He and Sally hosted many overnight guests, as John treasured the company of his family and friends and was an avid promoter of the Vermont life. He served on the planning commission in Stratton for more than 10 years.
John is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 59 years, Sally, their son, Robert (Betsy) Wadsworth, daughter, Christine (Kenneth) Viele, adored grandchildren, Ryan Wadsworth, Cali Wadsworth, Sarah (Carl) Demander, and Gianna Viele and his brother, Robert (Carol) Wadsworth. In addition, he is survived by several nieces and nephews and many other dear relatives and cherished friends.
The family would like to thank all those who visited and cared for John during his illness, especially the exceptional staff at Grace Cottage Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Cottage Hospital, P.O. Box 216, Townshend, VT 05353.
A celebration of life for John will take place at the Methodist Church in Wardsboro, Vermont on August 10th at 1:00pm, Pastor Peter Carlson officiating. A reception will follow at the Stratton Town Hall. All are invited to attend.