After graduating from Hamden High School in 1956, John served with the Army Reserves and was discharged honorably from active duty in 1958 as a Specialist 4th Class.

He went on to spend the next 34 years with the Hamden Fire Department. In that time, his accomplishments were astounding, as he worked his way up the ranks as a lieutenant, a certified paramedic, a training officer, working with a mountain rescue team, and finally becoming Chief, serving in that capacity for nine years before his retirement in 1993.

John’s retirement didn’t mean that he’d stop working. He and his wife, Tracy Ann (Marrapese), were instrumental in the formation of the adaptive ski program at Gunstock Mountain for the disabled, and he became a pilot with the Hawk Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patrol of Gilford.

John was also a skilled carpenter. He was always the life of the party and enjoyed taking his boat out on Lake Winnipesaukee to meet up with friends.