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John Starvish Obituary
He was born in Boston on July 11, 1941 to John and Tessie (Bartosiak) Starvish. John grew up in Hampton Falls NH, graduated from Exeter High School and Doane College. After working and raising his family in Chester and Concord NH, he retired to Addison, Vermont.
John was a committed husband of 55 years, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife Mary (McQuaid), children Margaret, John III (Shelley Vanderweil), and Anne Murphy (Liam), grandchildren Clare, Rolf, and Fritz Starvish, Jasiu and Jake Murphy. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Chester.
John had many occupations in his life, but his true vocation was one of service. First as an early Peace Corps volunteer he spent 2 years in the Peruvian Andes.
Later, as a Friend of Bill's, he mentored many men and women in NH and then Vermont.
His passing leaves a huge hole in the lives of his family, and his many friends in Vermont, NH, and beyond.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Middlebury Vt on October 14 at 10 AM. Burial will be at a later date in Deerfield, NH.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Addison County Home Health and Hospice, 254 Ethan Allen Hwy, New Haven VT 05472
"I have fought the good fight to the end; I have run the race to the finish; I have kept the faith. " 2 Timothy 4: 7-8
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Starvish
Jon Gibson
December 4, 2025
Mary & family, I´m sorry for your loss. I met John late in life and still learned so much from him about one of our shared passions, pewter. He was a fine craftsman and a wonderful human being. Please know that all he shared with me will be paid forward someday.
Anthony (Tony) Andruszkiewicz
October 14, 2025
Dear Mary and Family,
My family is so sorry for the lost of John. Our prayers are with you and family. John always held a special place in my heart. Visiting Aunt Tessie and Uncle John with Auntie Joe,in New Hampshire and have an opportunity of seeing your husband was an extra treat. Also sending fruit cake to John and your family during Christmas knowing he was going to enjoy it. My visit in July see John was uplifting and put me on cloud nine. He is such a great storyteller that will be sorely miss. Thank God for memories of all the good times we had together.
With all our love
Josephine
Susie
Me
Mike Casey
October 14, 2025
So sorry for your loss.
Tim S.
October 14, 2025
Without John's mentorship and example I might not be here today. He was in the right place at the right time...
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Mary Andruszkiewicz
October 13, 2025
Dear Mary, Margaret, John and Anne, sending our deepest condolences. My sister and brothers and I grew up visiting and/or sleeping over at Uncle John and Aunt Tessie's with our Dad, Stanley and/or his sister, our Auntie Jo. We saw your Dad, even less, and last saw him with other Andruszkiewicz' at a BBQ in Hull. All interactions with him (and Chet, way back when) were unforgettable!
We will always fondly remember the Starvish clan. May you all find solace in a lifetime of pleasant and proud memories.
Judy Moran
October 11, 2025
Mary, I am so sorry to learn of your husband John´s passing. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family
Carol Bowden
October 10, 2025
He was a man of dignity and honor, also a little bit feisty. I will miss him! His smile was a bit peevish, like the cat that just ate the canary! Sorry for his passing.
Jeanne & George S. Foster III
October 9, 2025
John was a bright light who touched our lives and we consider that a true Blessing. He was always very supportive and quick witted. John was a man of many talents. His love of life and others was the sphere that was always evident in his life. He could tell a great story when the moment inspired him. That was never more evident than when he joined us for a week long fishing trip to Canada where we fished for Pike & Walleye. John loved to fish. He loved his family and would often speak of them with pride.
Live, Love, Laugh & Make Memories. John has left us all with lasting memories. May the memories he made comfort you and inspire you to live your life to the fullest. We send our Most Sincere Sympathy to his Family and Friends.
Love, Jeanne & George S. Foster III
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