1936 – 2013

AUBURN — John Arthur Bagnulo, 76, of New Vineyard, died peacefully on Tuesday, Nov. 5, after a three-month fight with cancer, with his family by his side at the Androscoggin Hospice House.

He was born on Christmas Day in 1936 in Whitman, Mass., to Catherine and Arthur Bagnulo. He attended Whitman schools and worked at the famous Toll House in Whitman, making its famous desserts. It was there he met his wife, Janet. In 1956, he joined the U.S. Navy; he was stationed on the destroyer USS Robert H. McCard, DD822, for most of his service. He was discharged in 1960 and moved to Eastham, Cape Cod.

He joined Orleans Furniture Store and worked there as a salesman and the manager of its Wellfleet, Mass., store. He moved to Brewster, Mass., in 1968, and began working for the Whitney Wayside Furniture Store; he was assistant manager there until moving to Farmington in 1977. He worked at Bouffard’s Furniture for three years and then joined the support staff at SAD 9. For a short time, he was a route bus driver, but moved to the maintenance department. He enjoyed that work, including painting the cougars on the high school and middle school gyms.

He retired at 65. Two days later, he was offered the job of “trip” driver; this was always his favorite job. He had the opportunity to drive the students to sport games, ski trips, concerts and other activities. After 11 years of driving, he retired at the age of 74.

He was an active member of the Fairbanks Union Church, Farmington Masonic Lodge and the Order of the Eastern Star, where he was appointed a grand officer. His hobbies were anything artistic. He enjoyed bird-carving, making toys and cradles for his grandchildren, stained glass window hangings and even building his own home. He was famous around the state for his baritone voice, singing many times at the civic center and weddings, and soloing at his church. He also enjoyed gardening and taking care of his home and grounds.

John is survived by his wife of 57 years, Janet; two daughters, Nancy Pond and Doug of Farmington and Patricia Cleere and David of New Gloucester; one son, John Bagnulo and Joanna of Northport; and two sisters, Angeline Masaitis of Brockton, Mass., and Jean Sanderson of Raynham, Mass. He also leaves 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, the joys of his life; several nieces and nephews; and many special friends.