John Joseph Wiegand, Sr., of Quechee, died at home on March 21 from complications related to skin cancer. He was 98.
Mr. Wiegand is survived by his five children: Claudia Wiegand of Rehoboth Beach, Del.; Linda Wiegand Packard of Quechee; Donna Wiegand-Bicknell (Raymond) of Beebe Plain, Vt.; John Wiegand, Jr. (Cindy), also of Quechee; and Michael Wiegand (Ghaddra Gonzalez) of Mercer Island, Wash. He is also survived by six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Ruth; his brother, George; and his sister, Frances.
Born in the Bronx, N.Y., and raised in Flushing, Queens, Mr. Wiegand was a member of a generation shaped by duty, discipline, and perseverance. He served in the United States Navy during World War II and went on to attend Adelphi College and Hofstra University.
He and Ruth later settled on Long Island, where he began his career in industrial engineering at Fairchild Aviation. That role marked the beginning of a long and accomplished international career with HB Maynard Management Consulting, Indian Head Plywood, and Columbia Plywood. His work with Indian Head brought him and his family to Vermont, where they purchased their home in Quechee in 1964 — a place that remained central to his life for decades.
Mr. Wiegand concluded his career at Robert F. Lewis, Inc. of Woodstock. He was known for his strong work ethic, sound judgment, and steady leadership.
In retirement, he and Ruth traveled extensively and spent winters in Placida, Fla. He remained active in the game of golf and devoted many years of service to the Vermont Golf Association and the New England Golf Association, where he held leadership roles and supported the growth of the game for younger generations.
Above all, he was devoted to his family and took great pride in their accomplishments. His life reflected a deep sense of responsibility, loyalty, and quiet strength.
A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church in Woodstock on Saturday, April 18, at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in John’s name to the Quechee Library (quecheeandwilderlibraries.com) or the Vermont Golf Association Junior Golf Scholarship Fund (vgasf.org).
Arrangements are by Cabot Funeral Home, Woodstock, Vt. An online guestbook may be found at cabotfh.com.
