John S. Sterrett

John S. Sterrett, 89, resident of New Ipswich, NH died at Monadnock Community Hospital after a sudden illness at his home on October 27, 2016.

He was born on March 3, 1927 in Upland, CA, the son of the late John and Alice (Wright) Sterrett.

John was raised and educated in Santa Barbara, and graduated from Santa Barbara High School in 1945. After graduation, he entered the United States Navy, and was honorably discharged in December of 1946. John continued service in the Navy Reserves, and was subsequently called up for active duty in the Korean War. After the military, John studied at the University of California at Santa Barbara and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in 1950.

He moved around quite a bit as a young man, living in such places as: Garden Grove, CA; Rock Springs, WY; Huntington Beach, CA, Long Beach, CA; Houston, TX; Farmington, CT; Bordentown, NJ; West Stockbridge, MA; North Kingston, RI, and Hyde Park, NY. He finally settled in the cozy small town of New Ipswich, NH where he has resided for twenty-two years with his wife, Maryann Hughes.

John was active in the Boy Scouts of America as a youth, and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. As an adult, he devoted his career to the Scouts, and retired as the Assistant Regional Director in 1985. John found a lot of joy in working for the Boy Scouts. He could give back to the community and help youngsters grow with immense skills that they could use for their future as well as share his love for nature.

When John wasn’t working he never liked to stay idle for too long and he enjoyed many hobbies. He was a prolific painter and will live on through his artwork.. A compassionate animal lover, he rescued many dogs including cocker spaniels and English springer spaniels. He was also an avid reader, handyman, outdoorsman, and enjoyed sailing and fishing His greatest interest of all was his family, especially his grandchildren.

John also served for many years on the board of trustees for the New Ipswich Library, something that gave him immense satisfaction.

Due to his travels, infectious charm and community involvement, he cast a wide and warm imprint on this earth.

In addition to his parents, John is predeceased by his sister, Marion Miles of Santa Barbara, CA.

His survivors include, his loving wife Maryann Hughes of New Ipswich, NH, his children; Karen, her husband Lee Bieber and their children, Brianna and Allison of Morgan Hill, CA; Robin, her husband Dan Clark and their children Kevin and Brian of Huntington Beach, CA; Jan Sterrett and her daughter, Kira of Twin Falls, ID; Kenneth Sterrett and his children, Kenneth, Michael and Leeann of Jerome, ID; Peter Sterrett and his wife Diane of Tiverton, RI; Patrick Sterrett, his wife Lori and their children, Michael, Travis and Zach of Noblesville, IN; John’s brother, Douglas Sterrett of Bellingham, WA; his sister, Francis Hammock of Santa Barbara, CA; five great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and friends from around the country who will miss him dearly.

SERVICES: In accordance with John’s wishes, there will be no formal services held, cremation has taken place and his cremated remains will be buried in the family plot in Santa Barbara, CA at a later date.