John ‘Jack’ Wandell

FALLS VILLAGE —  John Wandell,76, passed away at home on June 17, 2019, in Falls Village with his wife, Linda Erwin, and family by his side.

He was born on April 4, 1943 in Lowell, Mass., to Charlotte and John Wandell.

He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He was a Purple Heart recipient; Sgt. John Wandell was presented with the Navy Achievement Medal ‘V’ and was given his meritorious service award in Vietnam,while serving as a squad leader for M Company, Third Battalion, Third Regiment, Third Marine Division in the Republic of Vietnam.

His promotion to sergeant was made on the battlefields, and he was awarded the Silver Star, Purple Heart, Presidential Citation and Navy Citation, as well as the Navy Achievement medal.

Returning from Vietnam, he owned J.W. Wandell Landscaping in Boston, Mass., and North Canaan. He bought a home in Salisbury in 1999.

He was honored by First Lady Rosalynn Carter in a formal ceremony at the White House for the 25th annual American Assoc. of Nurserymen Landscape Award. His work will live on at Boston University, Harvard and MIT.

He loved time on his boat, his critters and his life in the beautiful Northwest Corner.

Jack never met a stranger. He befriended all he met. His sense of humor and generosity were well-known. 

He quietly supported many local charities and gave to those in need personally.

He adopted his first pet, Jake, a mutt from the Little Guild of Saint Francis, a decade ago. Jack and Jake spent many years on the road together, living in Boston, Connecticut and Key West, Fla. 

He later adopted Rocky, a 16-year-old bichon, who never left Jack’s side for five years, and who resides at home.

He leaves behind his wife, Linda Erwin; and his much-loved and devoted nephew, Stone Scasso, of Millerton.

A celebration of his life was held June 23, at the Mountain View Cemetery, Sand Road, North Canaan.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Jane Lloyd Cancer Fund at the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.

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