John E. Sandvil Jr.

ENOSBURGH – John E. Sandvil Jr., age 65, passed away suddenly on Sunday, November 20, 2022 at his home in Enosburgh following a multiyear battle with PTSD.

He was born in Burlington on January 29, 1957 to Jeanne (Martel) & the late John E. Sandvil Sr.

John and Cathy celebrated 33 years of marriage this past September 30^th and revisited the beautiful spot on top of Mount Mansfield where they said their vows. John was highly dedicated to the United States military for 31 years. After joining the Air Force, he later transitioned to the Army. He served in Operation Desert Storm with the 131^st Engineers, continuing on and receiving the well-deserved rank as Lieutenant Colonel. He excelled in everything he did, especially when it came to his troops, caring for them and catering to their wellbeing. John planned wrestling matches to lighten the mood, started a campground for them to gather at, decompress, and enjoy some fishing, and much more. John was motivated and had a strong work ethic. He worked in real estate, started his own business called The Chore Store, taught the Industrial Mechanics program at the Cold Hollow Career Center for years, and worked for Immigration and Naturalization Services, and was proud of his affiliation with the Enosburgh American Legion Post 42. He and Cathy served as foster parents to many children. John also made time for fun too. He earned the title of “The King” of practical jokes, he loved to make people laugh and smile, he loved his children and grandchildren and was always the first to join them on the floor to play with them and create unique games. He loved his three canine companions and bird dogs, Zena, Ruby and Mika, Bluegrass music, riding his Harley with Cathy as his faithful riding partner, played the harmonica with incredible talent, and several string instruments. John was in his element when he could be outdoors. He loved fishing, hunting, archery, leading the Enosburgh Boy Scout troops for years and he would share his knowledge with everyone who was willing to learn. John always said, “I’m an engineer, I can build anything!” John will be missed by his family, friends and community, and hope that the stigma of PTSD will be honored, and treatment can be readily available for those in need.        

He is survived by his wife and best friend, Cathy (Hughes) Sandvil of Enosburgh; children, Joseph Sandvil and his wife Denise of Carthage, NY, Christina Sandvil of Plainfield, and Chad Sandvil of Enosburgh Falls; grandchildren, Matthew Sandvil, Allyson Mill, Logan Kimball, Kaelynn Sandvil, Evan Lee, Kelsey Waite, and Jacob Doe; his mother, Jeanne Sandvil; siblings, Mike Sandvil and his wife Cyndee, Shirley Snelling-Sexton and her husband Jim, and Steve Sandvil and his companion Robin Su Viens Howard; a special aunt, Jane Brausey; several nieces (most recent grandniece, Hadley), nephews, cousins, special friends, and acquaintances. John was predeceased by his father, John E. Sandvil Sr.; an infant brother, Joseph Sandvil; mother-in-law, Hilda Hughes; and a brother-in-law, Joseph Hughes.

Friends and family are invited to John’s Life Celebration events to include visitation on Saturday, December 3, 2022 from 1-2:00 PM at the Goss-Spears Life Celebration Home, 96 Dickinson Ave., Enosburgh, Vermont. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 PM. Interment will take place in the spring at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph, Vermont.   

For those who wish, contributions in John’s memory may be made to the Mount Norris Scout Reservation, 242 Boy Scout Camp Rd., Eden, VT 05653.

Goss Life Celebration Homes is the area’s exclusive provider of Life Celebration events. Please visit our website to share condolences, photos and favorite memories at www.gossfs.com