John Thomas Anderson, a beloved father and long-time business executive, died on September 10, 2021 at age 71, after a battle with Alzheimer’s. John passed away in Canton, MA surrounded by his children, after recently moving north from Olive Branch, Mississippi.
John was born in Richmond, Virginia to Robert Frederick Anderson and Claire Marie Anderson (Deacon), and spent time growing up with his family of 7 siblings across several states during their childhood. He was a graduate of Xavier High School in Massachusetts, where he played basketball, and then went on to Merrimack College and received a bachelor’s degree in marketing. John settled in North Andover, where he and his former wife, Lauren, raised a family of 3 children: Kelly, Chris and Patrick. John held many executive positions at growing software and technology firms across MA - including Digital, HP, Wang, Zenith Data, TDE and Clarisbrook Associates to name a few. Once his family had flown the coop, John settled down outside Memphis, Tennessee, where he spent over 15 years working as a marketing and channel executive at FedEx Corporation.
John spent many of his evenings and weekends cheering on his kids at various sporting events, always repeating his favorite phrase - FTTBW (first to the ball wins). He enjoyed carpentry, running and golf. He was often called LIFO (last in, first out) of the party, as John thoroughly enjoyed relaxing at home with some good old-fashioned country music.
John is survived by his children, Kelly (David) Anderson Ives, Chris (Dawn) Anderson, and Patrick Anderson; 5 grandchildren Owen, Lyla, Douglas, Ryan, and Shea; siblings Robert (Lorraine) Anderson, William (Patricia) Anderson, Carol (Richard) Fessler, Susan (Bradley) Blaine; Linda (Richard) St. Francis, David Anderson and Claire (Gregory) Seibly; and 36 nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his father, Robert Frederick Anderson and his mother, Claire Marie Anderson (Deacon).
A private memorial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the John Anderson Memorial for the Alzheimer’s Association in hopes to find a cure for others who are (or will be) faced with this terrible disease.
Good better best; never let it rest; til the good is better and the better is best. Time to rest, Dad!