John Stager

John Stager

Wells, VT - John Stager, Wells, Vermont died on August, 24, 2015. He was born September 26, 1943 in Chicago, Illinois and was adopted by his mother, Edna May Stager. They lived in South Windsor, CT and later in North Haven.

In1961 John graduated from North Haven High School. He graduated from Western Maryland College in 1965 with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in organ. Deciding not to enter the music field professionally, he worked first at the Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown, MA and then for the New Jersey Commission for the Blind with students in public schools.

In April 1968 he married Susan Jean Bale; and in 1969 they returned to Massachusetts, where they lived until 2006 in Westborough, raising a daughter and a son.

John worked for the Massachusetts Department of Education, eventually becoming the director of Program Quality Assurance Services. In May 1978 he received his Master's degree in Educational Administration from Worcester State College.

He also worked as a church organist and choir director for several years, in Littleton and then Northborough. Later he was involved in the music program of the Grafton Congregational Church, where the family were members for many years. He was a lifelong church choir member.

Retiring in 2006, he and Susan moved to Wells, Vermont. They became active members of Grace Congregational Church in Rutland Vermont; and John served on the Nominating Committee and in other roles, as well as occasionally playing for services. He also served on the board of Rutland Dismas House for seven years.

He is survived by his wife Susan; his daughter Lisa Stager Velasquez, and grandchildren Kevin and Ruth Velasquez of Wells; and his son David Stager and wife Deana Muro of Pittsburgh, PA.as well as other extended family and innumerable friends.

A memorial service will be conducted at Grace Church in Rutland on Saturday, September 19, 2015, at 12 noon.

Those who wish to make a donation in his memory are encouraged to consider the Rutland Dismas House, 103 Park Avenue, Rutland, VT 05701, or the fund for a new sound system at Grace Congregational United Church of Christ, 8 Court Street, Rutland, VT 05701. Tossing Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.