Jonathan Wells

Peacefully and surrounded by his family, Jonathan F. Wells of South Hero passed away on June 2, 2025 at the age of 78. His memory lives on through his wife of 55 years, Alice Wells; children: Heather (Wells) and Steven Trombley, James and Shannon Wells, Wendy (Wells) and Dr. Kahren Aydinyan; and grandchildren: Lauren and Catherine Trombley; Minnette, Claire, and Isla Wells; Elise and Philip Aydinyan; sister Kathleen Wells Cooper of Maine; cousins: Janet Wells Fagan of Arizona, Christine Jogo of New York; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents: Allen “Red” Wells and Grace Knox; and his cousin: George Wells of Arizona.

Jon had a lifelong love of the water, spending his early years along the Susquehanna River in Bainbridge, New York and later enjoying the beauty of Lake Champlain. Jon and his wife Alice (Cullen) met as teenagers while on a boat club trip to Lake Champlain. Together they raised their family in South Hero, Vermont, in the same home once belonging to his grandparents, Rev. George F. Wells and Lucy Landon Allen Wells. He always had a dog at his side.

Jon proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and remained active in veterans’ organizations, including the VFW and the Vietnam Veterans of America. Jon worked at IBM for nearly 25 years.

An amateur radio operator known by his call sign KA1VLF, he had a wide array of interests and talents. He was a devoted Boston Red Sox fan and enjoyed sailing, canoeing, target shooting, speed skating, and motorcycling-- he was a member of the U.S. Norton Owners Association. In 1974, Jon and Alice traveled on their Norton through the British Isles. A gifted craftsman, he hand-built a classical guitar and had a keen eye for photography, especially capturing nature and people. Some of his photography is exhibited in the permanent collection at the Vermont Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Sharon, Vermont. He found great fulfillment in contributing to his family and community through acts of love and service. He volunteered with the Special Olympics and was always quick to offer help to his neighbors, embodying a quiet generosity and kindness.

Above all else, Jon was a man of integrity. He gave thoughtful, calm guidance and was an incredible husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

Family will hold a private ceremony at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the South Hero Volunteer Fire and Rescue Departments, Food For Thought, or C.I.D.E.R.