SPRINGFIELD, VA- John A. Shatswell, 78, husband of Elizabeth “Betsy” (Thayer) Shatswell, of Springfield, died Monday, September 30, 2002 in Springfield following a long illness.
Born in Salem, he was the son of the late Alfred I. and Dorothy (Ashby) Shatswell.
A graduate of Salem High School with the class of 1941, completed post graduate studies at Cushing Academy in Ashburnham, MA and graduated from Yale University Engineering School in the class of 1945W.(A designation given to returning veterans who graduated after the war, but were credited with graduation with their original class.)
An Army veteran of WWII, he attained the rank of Corporal and served in the European Theater, landing in North Africa and taking part in campaigns in Sicily, Italy, Northern France, Germany and Czechoslovakia. His unit received numerous campaign ribbons and stars.
Mr Shatswell worked for Etna Life and Casualty Insurance Company, heading their engineering division in various areas of the county before retiring from the Washington, DC office, to his home in Springfield.
Besides his wife, with whom he shared over 55 years of marriage, he is survived by two sons Bruce Shatswell of Reston, VA, Peter and his wife Joanne Shatswell of Virginia, two grandchildren, Laura Shatswell and Dorie Shatswell, one brother, James B. and his wife Betty Shatswell of Salem and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
A memorial service was held in Springfield at the convenience of the family. For those who desire, donations may be made in his memory to the charity of one’s choice. For guest book, visit www.SalemFuneral.com.