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John Antes Obituary

John H. Antes of Wayland died 14 years after being diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. He was born in Canton, Ohio, the son of Blanchard and Maurine Antes. John loved to fly. He began at the age of 16. He joined the Navy after college to avoid the draft and to fly. He became a Centurion, making more than 100 carrier landings on three tours to the Far East. One Saturday in his second year of medical school, he closed a text book and said he was going back to flying. He retired at the then-mandatory age of 60 after 29 years with TWA. He was the pilot everyone hoped for. His love of planes continued, identifying different planes by their sound, flying in his dreams where he could land on city streets, talking with his grandson about the features of each plane he flew when he came to visit. Life after flying became one of volunteering. A friend said he lived to give. He drove for Meals on Wheels for more than 20 years. He took people to their medical appointments and helped seniors with their finances. He recorded church pledge payments for at least 25 years and served as an usher and a trustee despite not being a meeting person. He paid attention to namesof restaurant servers, the towns police and fire fighters; even the names of streets and towns he traveled through years earlier. He could name all the medical staff at MGH who treated him with such kindness and skill. And he loved his family: his daughter Susan who became a nurse on her road to fulfilling her dream of being a veterinarian and whose advice to get a dog he rejected, and his son David who cared so lovingly for his Dad that MGH staff asked where David was if someone else came to pick John up. He was into ham radio and worked the Boston Marathon and the Run of the Charles. He could eat seven servings of Oreos in one sitting (21 cookies). He loved classical music, going to plays, and attending the concerts of neighborhood children. He was the ideal patient, sitting for hours of treatments without complaint and always asking about the care-givers family. Jill, the steadfast nurse practitioner, described him as an impeccably gentle man. He leaves behind his wife of six days short of 58 years, his children Susan and David, his grandson Matt, Susans husband Todd and Daves Leslie; brother Bob and his wife Diane and sister Mary and her husband Dale Fike, nieces and nephews Sally, Tom, Betsy, John, Mike, Randi, Jenni, and Trudi and their spouses and children. No service was held as the life he lived was celebration enough. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, P.O. Box 414238, Boston, MA 02241-4238.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Wayland Town Crier from Apr. 16 to Apr. 25, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for John Antes

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Kate Jenney

April 10, 2022

John was one of a group of FISH volunteers who so often answered requests for rides to Boston for medical appointments. His kindness and compassion were such endearing qualities.

Kate Jenney

April 10, 2020

John was one of the strongest pillars of the Wayland community. His outpouring of kindnesses to so many will always be remembered by me.

Dick Fortin

August 13, 2019

Dear Mary and family,

I just heard today that John had died, when the ALPA magazine arrived with the pilot obituaries,
and I want to express my sympathy for your loss.
You may recall that John and I were classmates in
Navy pre-flight for about 4 months, then we both
flew for TWA for over thirty years. In both of those instances John was loved by everyone he came in contact with. My wife Beth even suggested that I call John just this last winter, but I never could contact him, to tell him that our friend Ed Stuart had died. It is interesting that I also have had Multiple Myaloma for a year and a half, but they got it early so I am doing OK. So please accept my
sympathy for your loss. John was one of the really good guys.

Dick Fortin

John H. Antes doing what he loved for our nation- flying

Matt Kadrie

May 24, 2019

Rev. Guy Riddick, Sr.

April 30, 2019

To the members of the Antes family:

I was saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. Antes. I only met him once on May 31,1986 (the day I married the former Pamela Corbin). Although I only met him once, he left a lasting impression. I could see his kindness in just one meeting. I knew my wife was truly blessed to have you as her Host Family during high school.

Over the years I have heard many fond stories from wife and feel as if you were always part of my life. I have asked of everyone in your family often and continually keep you in my prayers.

God has now called him from labor to his eternal reward. You may have loved him, but God loved him best!

Rev. Guy Riddick, Sr.
Assoc. Minister
Grace Baptist Church
Waterbury, CT

Chris Straub

April 21, 2019

John was a such a great person and will be very missed by all that knew him. His service to his community, church and family is his legacy - the legacy of a wonderful loving Christian man. The best footprints to leave on this earth are the memories that one leaves in those around them; John left many and will always be remembered.

Thomas Turner

April 18, 2019

To the Members of the Antes Family:

I was very saddened to learn of John's untimely passing, and take this opportunity to extend my deep and sincere condolences on your loss.

I knew John, not only as a resident of Wayland, but also through the amateur radio fraternity. He is and was always a perfect gentleman, and was also active in several community activities. I always enjoyed chatting with Him, and will miss our conversations, be they in person or via Ham Radio.

Again, please accept my condolences, and may you find the strength to guide you through this difficult time.

Thomas Turner
Wayland Fire/Police Communications (Retired)

John Barrett

April 18, 2019

There aren't many nowadays of whom you can say, He was a true gentleman and John was, in every sense of the word. John and Mary have been, for many years, ardent and gracious supporters of our organization (as they have supported so many people in our town). Please allow me to express the gratitude and condolences from the Vokes membership and add my personal sense of loss.
I will treasure the memories.
John Barrett
Pres. Vokes Players

Wendy Krauss

April 17, 2019

So many fabulous memories with the Antes'! My favorites are taking the canoe across Lake Cochituate, and tipping it over behind the island. Also remember many summer lunches and having "Mr. Antes" tell wonderful stories. So sad! Love to Mary, Susan and David!

April 17, 2019

My prayers and sympathy are with the family and friends at this time of sadness.he lived the life he loved! He will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.he left beautiful memories to help all to endure his loss.
BJW.

Bob Duffy

April 16, 2019

I only met John a couple of times. He was not someone you forgot. A gentleman by every standard.
Mary, please accept my condolences

Katherine T.

April 16, 2019

My deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to John's family and friends.

John H. Antes

Mary Antes

April 16, 2019

Meghan Gilhooly

April 16, 2019

He was a kind soul and his spirit touched my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

VG

April 16, 2019

My deepest condolences to the family and friends of John. When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure when it fills your heart with love and brings you joy. May you find comfort in Jesus promise of the hope of everlasting life on earth at John 6:40.

Kate Jenney

April 16, 2019

I will always remember John for his many kindnesses to others. I recall calling him for FISH clients on many occasions. He would often alter his plans in order to take someone to one of the Boston hospitals. My sincere condolences to Mary, his children and grandson. May he rest in peace!

Tom Rielly

April 16, 2019

I will always remember John for his love and devotion to Mary. I enjoyed their company on numerous luncheons where we would tell stories about families and each other. He lived life fully and with real warmth and humanity. I will miss him. Unbeknownst to him, he was a role model for me on how to live a life well.

Mary, I am so sorry for your loss.

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results

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