John “Skip” Beecher Willson died on February 14, 2024 after a long battle with chronic illness. John, the son of Fan Garrison Willson and John “Jack” Fonda Willson, was born on October 16, 1954, at Fanny Allen Hospital in Colchester, Vermont.
The youngest and only brother of three sisters, John grew up in St. Albans, VT and attended Bellows Free Academy. After high school, John served briefly in the Air Force and then worked at IBM before moving to Florida.
Over the years, John was married twice and had five children: John Martin (wife Jamie), Carrie Bessette (husband Marc), Stephanie Willson (partner William Holmes), Matthew Willson and Ellen Willson.
In the late 90’s, John moved back to St. Albans and took over the management of Zachary’s Pizza, where he made many lifelong friends. Shortly after, he met and eventually married Laury Gagnon. During this time, John had two more children, as he treated Laury’s children David and Marita Knight as if they were his own. After many years at Zachary’s, John changed careers and began working for Verizon Wireless. During his years back in St. Albans, in his spare time he tended the gardens and mowed the lawn for his mother, who always called Skip when she needed help.
After his parents died, John moved to Cartersville, Georgia. Soon after the move, he retired from Verizon, a career he loved and was very proud of.
John’s children fondly remember his love of science fiction films, Benny Hill, Star Trek, Marvin the Martian and his love of imitating voices. John would have impressed Woody Woodpecker himself. John also loved beagles and had many furry best friends throughout his life. When John became ill, his loyal companion Bubba was always by his side.
John was predeceased by his parents Fan and Jack. He is survived by his sisters Wendy Allen (husband Richard), Nancy Willson Matthews, Betsy Willson, his children, several grandchildren, including a very special bond with his granddaughter Lily, and many friends and relatives.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 18, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Heald Funeral Home, 87 South Main Street, St. Albans.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Franklin County Animal Rescue, 30 Sunset Meadow, St. Albans, Vermont 05478.
Rett Heald of Heald Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of John Willson. Condolences are accepted at www.healdfuneralhome.com.
