John William Anderson

ANDERSON, John William, John would say he was born, he lived and he died. However, there is so much more to his story. He was born in Richmond at Stuart Circle Hospital and grew up in Halifax, Virginia. After high school, he then followed the "Halifax Three R's: Readin', Ritin', and the Road to Richmond. " John graduated in 1973 from the University of Richmond and received his Juris Doctor in 1977. Following law school, he took a leap of faith (or what John liked to refer to as "a combination of guts and stupidity") and hung out his own shingle. In 1997, he joined what is now Spotts Fain, PC as a Shareholder. John said he never worked a day in his life because he loved what he did and the clients he worked for. John's proudest accomplishment was to be President-Elect of the Richmond Bar Association, where his term was to begin June 1, 2021. John joined the Catholic faith in 1990. He found his spiritual home at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, where he served on the Finance Council for many years and as an usher. He met Diane Donovan, the love of his life, in 1979. It was immediate true love and on their first date they starting planning their wedding. There were several who thought it would not last; the jury is still deliberating after more than 40 years. They have lived the ultimate love story. John was predeceased by his parents, Senator Howard P. Anderson and Mildred Webb Anderson; his brother, the Rt. Rev. David T. Anderson; his mother-in-law, Mary Donovan; and his and Diane's beloved son, Dylan. He is survived by his wife, Diane; their children, Nathan Anderson and his wife, Bethany, Emily Anderson and Fernando Rodriguez, Claire Anderson Cerri and her husband, Marc; as well as his "Boy Band" of grandsons, Jackson and August Anderson and Anderson Cerri. He is also survived by his brother, Howard Anderson and wife, Richelle. A private family Mass of the Resurrection will be held at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. Burial will be private. John always asked God to give him strength and courage to face his cancer challenge with grace and dignity. Please honor John by doing a random act of kindness. Johnny then suggests that you enjoy a Negroni (up)!