John A. Stoddard, Sr., 78, of Manchester, NH died Monday, January 6, 2014 in the VA Medical Center, Manchester. John was born in East Boston, MA on April 3, 1935, the son of the late John G. and Anna (Tremonte) Stoddard. John was educated in Needham, MA and had resided in Boston, MA. A resident of Londonderry, NH since August of 2013, he had previously lived in Sunrise, FL. He was a US Army veteran serving during the Korean War. John was formerly employed as a foreman at Gorton’s Seafood of Gloucester, MA. From 1970 – 1976 he owned and operated his own American Income Life Insurance agency. From 1980 – 1992 he owned and operated Jomat / Caribbean Harbor Seafood in Pompano Beach, FL. As a skilled crafter, he had a booth at The Big E Fair in Springfield, MA under the name “Sew Sweet” for over 20 years. He was an avid Patriots and Red Sox fan.
He is survived by his two sons, John Stoddard, Jr. and his significant other, Lorraine Saffer, of Londonderry, David Stoddard and his wife Gissella of Coconut Creek, FL, one daughter, Diane Stoddard and her partner Kristina Kehrig of Georgetown, MA, two grandchildren, John Michael Rohner of Portland, ME, Nicholas David Stoddard of Coconut Creek, FL, and two great-grandchildren, John David and Phoenix Cielo Rohner. John is also survived by his five siblings, Carol Ann Downer and her husband, Bud-Skins of Needham, Elaine Morton and her husband Dan of FL, Sandra Jean Dennen and her husband Jim of FL, Mary Ellen Rioux of ME, Thomas Michael Stoddard of Lincoln, NB, many nieces and nephews and his first wife, Thelma Stoddard. He was predeceased by his second wife, Patricia Stoddard in 2010.
There are no calling hours. There will be a celebration of life upcoming. The Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry, NH is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the VA Medical Center, 1400 VFW Pkwy, West Roxbury, MA 02130 or to the VA Medical Center, 718 Smyth Road, Manchester, NH 03104.