John L. Muller, 81, of Derry, NH, died Monday April 26, 2021 in Elliot Hospital in Manchester, NH, with his family by his side. He was born in Queens, NY on November 8, 1939, son of Jack and Harriet (Carroll) Muller. He moved to Newport, NH with his family in 1945.
Mr. Muller attended the Guild School and graduated with the Towle High School class of 1957. He worked for one year at Mt. Sunapee State Park before earning a bachelor's degree from Keene State College, and later a Master's Degree from Salem State College, in pursuit of becoming an educator and administrator. John served six years in the 157th NH Air National Guard at Pease AFB. He married the love of his life, Mary, in 1970, living for a time in Salem, NH before settling in Derry and raising their family. He was a resident of Derry for 46 years.
He taught English at Hinsdale High School, Pinkerton Academy, and Nashua High School before becoming Assistant Headmaster at Pinkerton in 1974. There his passion for teaching shone through in his efforts to streamline curriculum, develop the faculty, and mentor teachers, among many other roles. He took great pride in orchestrating commencement exercises for 26 years and calling the names of over 9,000 Pinkerton graduates. He lived by the mantra, “For when the One Great Scorer comes to mark against your name, He writes not that you won or lost, but how you played the game.” – Grantland Rice.
He is survived by his wife, Mary (Gaffney) Muller of Derry; his children, Michael of Derry, NH, Mitchell of Raymond, NH, and Jennifer (and husband Matthew) of Orlando, FL; four grandchildren, Max, Maille, Jackson and Joseph; nieces Carol Gouin and Ann Jasper; and many other extended family, friends, and colleagues. He was predeceased by his sister, Margaret "Peggy" Demers of Newport, NH.
Following cremation, he will be interred in Pine Grove Cemetery in Newport, NH near his sister and their parents. No services are planned at this time. Memorial contributions may be made to The Elephant Sanctuary of Tennessee (elephants.com) or the Make-a-Wish Foundation. The Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry is assisting the family with arrangements.