John O. Stinson
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John O. Stinson died peacefully on September 23, 2021.
John was born and raised in Acton, MA. He was a highly decorated U.S. Army Special Forces Korean War Combat Veteran member of the elite 5th Regimental Combat Team. He returned to earn his B.S. in Civil Engineering degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 1957. He worked as an engineer for Metcalf and Eddy before being elected to the Town Manager of Saugus and Ipswich, Massachusetts. After leaving Ipswich, Stinson worked as an administrator at the Berkshire Medical Center, Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and in 1977 the family moved to Hanover, New Hampshire, where Stinson was the Town Manager. The family purchased the Stinson's Village Store in 1979, and for the next 42 years, the family worked together in the business.
John married his true love, Barbara Ann Mayr, on September 22, 1956. They were married 60 years until Barbara died in 2016. Through each move, the family grew. Six children, three boys and three girls, were their project. They taught us how to work and stand up for our beliefs and instilled in us that honesty and integrity were more important than winning.
Left to mourn his passing are his six children, John Stinson Jr, Paul Stinson, Ray Stinson, Gretchen Rice, and Lisa Stinson, ten grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, brother-in-law, and three nieces.
John was a lifelong learner, accomplished businessman, unmatched blueberry muffins maker, avid hiker, skier. At the age of 88, he joined the Carl Wallinof group and became an accomplished weight lifter. With the group's camaraderie and Carl's mentorship, he entered competitions and found true friendship.
With respect to the ongoing pandemic, the family will gather privately. We hope other will join us from their home to celebrate long and whole life. Please send condolences by visiting rand-wilson.com