John’s academic journey began at Henniker High School and continued at the University of New Hampshire, where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering. This education laid the foundation for a career marked by technical excellence and ingenuity. Following graduation, he embarked on a three-year service with the U.S. Navy as a diving and marine salvage officer. This role introduced him to the challenges and rewards of maritime operations, igniting a lifelong interest in exploration and problem-solving.
Ever eager to expand his horizons, John pursued a Master of Business Administration at the University of California, Berkeley. His time at Berkeley not only honed his business acumen but also prepared him for a second tour of duty with the Navy, during which he served in the Philippines and Vietnam. This chapter of his life reflected his deep desire to understand the complexities of the Vietnam War and contribute meaningfully to his country.
After his military service, John transitioned to the burgeoning field of semiconductor manufacturing, taking a position at Fairchild Semiconductor in Silicon Valley. Over the next decade, he worked as an independent contractor and industry professional, culminating in a unique six-month deployment to Egypt. There, he played a pivotal role in the Suez Canal Clearance Project, helping to remove sunken wrecks blocking this vital waterway after the 1967 war.
An aviator at heart, John obtained a commercial pilot’s license with multi-engine and instrument ratings, mastering the intricacies of air traffic control and instrument flight rules. This achievement was a source of immense pride and underscored his passion for precision and learning.
In the entrepreneurial chapter of his life, John founded Victorex Inc., a computer sales and service company in the San Francisco Bay Area. Under his leadership, the company evolved to focus on software solutions for vacation rental managers. His dedication to this niche industry led to the establishment of the Vacation Rental Managers Association, which he founded and served as its inaugural executive director. John’s innovative software and organizational efforts left a legacy in the vacation rental sector that is felt today.
John’s personal life took a transformative turn when he met Eleanor Glynn on a plane ride to Boston. Their relationship, marked by mutual love and respect, spanned decades despite the challenges they faced together. Their shared dedication to their family was a testament to their enduring bond.
John experienced profound loss with the tragic death of his son, Curtis, in an automobile accident. He found solace and strength in his relationships with his daughter Amy, his granddaughter Kyla Jayde Antel, and his lifelong friend and extrafamilial daughter, Anna Encalada, who was an integral part of his life for nearly five decades.
John spent his final years in the Henniker home where he had grown up, passing away peacefully on April 18, 2019, after a determined nine-year journey managing cardiac and pulmonary disease.
A service to celebrate John’s extraordinary life was held at the Henniker Community Center on May 5, 2019, bringing together family, friends, and community members to honor his legacy of achievement, resilience, and love.