John W. Dawson

John W. Dawson, 80, lifelong resident of St. Johnsbury, VT., passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on September 24, 2023 after a short and brave battle with cancer. John was the beloved son of the late Jim and Ruth Dawson and loving brother to his sisters Diane Collins and her husband Jerry of Elmira NY and the late Carol Fitzgerald and her husband Joe of Norwood, MA. He was lovingly referred to as Uncle Johnny by all of his nieces and nephews who absolutely adored him including; Stephanie Bronk and her husband Dan of Fairport NY, Tracy Vaughn and her husband Chris of Syracuse NY, Michael Fitzgerald and his wife Kerri of Foxboro, MA, Kate Kelley and her husband Colin of Norwood, MA and Tim Fitzgerald and his girlfriend Yvonne Bouchard of Norwood, MA. John was also the proud great uncle to Jessica, Erika, Sarah, Molly, Mark, Hayley, Xavier, Cameron, Lanie, Skylar, Keira, Kylie and James. John was a kind and loyal friend to all that new him. John loved his life in St. J and surrounded himself with friends that he considered family, especially his dear friend Stephen Slayton. 

John was a 1961 graduate of St. Johnsbury Academy and then he earned a degree from Lyndon State College. He also proudly served in the National Guard. He spent many hours working in the family store, Riverside Grocery. On his rare days off from the store, he loved being up at the family camp on Harvey’s Lake. John went on to work for many years at Classan's Crane Service and also Carroll Concrete. 

John was a gentle giant, always there for his friends and family or anyone that needed him. John was a fighter, battling back from many medical obstacles through the years. He never complained and he never gave up. Those that knew and loved him were inspired by his strength and determination. He will be dearly missed by all that knew him. 

John’s family would especially like to thank all of his loyal friends who lovingly looked out for him all of these years. We know that John considered you all family and we’ll be forever grateful for all you did for him. John’s family would also like to thank his doctors, nurses and therapists at Dan Wyand P.T and Associates, North Eastern Vermont Regional Hospital, Dartmouth Hitchcock Hospital and Beth Israel Hospital for taking such wonderful care of him.

A Christian burial will take place on Sunday, October 22, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, 352 Mt. Pleasant St. St. Johnsbury.

A Celebration of John's Life will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the St. Johnsbury Distillery located at 74 Eastern Ave. in St. Johnsbury. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.

In Lieu of flowers donations in John’s memory can be made to The Alzheimer’s Association- Vermont Chapter, 75 Talcott Rd. Suite 40 Williston, Vt. 05495. 

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