Worcester- On July 23, 2017 at approximately 9am, John H. Landers exhaled for the last time in his life. His last wish on this earth would be realized, he would be reuniting with wife Mae, who had departed two years prior. It would be the final resolve in his life. If you had only one word to describe John, it would be committed, plain and simple. He was committed to family, friends, and work. He simply was trying to be a decent and honest man. While Mae was in the throes of dementia, he single handedly and selflessly became her caregiver with little or no assistance from outside sources. Despite many warnings that caring for Mae would result in a decline in his own health, he remained devoted to her and committed to her care. When Mae passed, the changes in his life began. He was lonely and socially withdrawn; life as he knew it held little or no inspiration. These changes belied a life he had before Mae’s passing.
John possessed a great sense of humor, was an active reader, and loved to do the Daily Jumble. Sometimes when stumped, he would even forward it to his granddaughter, Brenna, for completion. Most of his joy and fulfillment would be derived from the daily travails with his wife. During his final years, he would declare, “I’ve lived too long”, and it would be hard to mount a counterargument.
John was born the son of William and Josephine Landers on November 10, 1919 along with his twin brother, William Foster Landers. He would graduate from Commerce High School and subsequently enlist in the U.S. Army under the command of General George Patton’s armored tank division. He was employed at Wyman-Gordon Co. as an airplane parts inspector for many years before retiring.
One of my favorite memories of life with dad would be that upon the completion of the NY Giants football game, we would jump into his Nash Rambler and b-line it to Kendrick Field. I would assume the role of Del Shofner and he would be transformed into Y.A. Tittle, at least in my mind. I would run chaotic pass patterns and he would toss 25 yard spirals until the street lights came on, or until his arm ached.
He is predeceased by his parents, William and Josephine Landers, brother William, sisters Evelyn, Margeurite and Kathleen, and his niece, Sue Giovanelli.
He leaves behind his son, John, and wife, Laura, granddaughters Brenna and Erica, great-grandchildren Aria and Darryl, nephews Thomas, Brian, William, Jefferey and their families, Rick Evans, Jay Evans and their families, Carol and Hap Surabian, nieces Diahann, Michaela, and Carol, and all friends and acquaintances that crossed paths with John over his lifetime.
John had a long life, longer than most will encounter. He passed peacefully, and hopefully painlessly. He was ready to board that train that was taking on passengers, one by one. Mae will be there to hoist a cold Pabst blue ribbon. God bless, Dad.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, July 27, 2017 from 10am-12noon in Nordgren Funeral Home, 300 Lincoln St, Worcester. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery, Worcester. There is no service. For directions or to leave an online condolence message, please click on link.