John Nicholas Laggis, Sr.

John Nicholas Laggis Sr., 93, of East Hardwick, VT, passed away peacefully at home on June 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. A devoted husband, father, “Gramps,” and great-grandfather, John enriched the lives of those around him with his warmth, humor, and boundless love.

Born on March 30, 1932, in Nashua, NH, to Nicholas P. and Christine Laggis, John was raised in Ayer, MA. He graduated from Lawrence Academy and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Vermont in 1955, where he was a proud member of the Sigma Phi fraternity. On October 12, 1956, John married Mary Patricia Moore in Massachusetts.

John was drafted into the U.S. Army and served honorably in Korea. Upon returning home, he joined the family business, P.N. Laggis Co., a clothing and shoe retail store in Ayer, MA.

John’s love of the outdoors began in his youth, hiking and biking through New Hampshire’s White Mountains with his sister Mary. These early adventures fostered a lifelong appreciation for New England’s natural beauty. While at UVM, he discovered a passion for skiing and rural Vermont life, which inspired him to purchase a small farm in East Hardwick in 1966. The family made it their permanent home in 1972.

John was deeply proud of his Greek heritage and was a lifelong member of the Greek Orthodox Church, cherishing the traditions and values passed down through generations.

An active community member, John served on the Groton Conservation Commission in Groton, MA, and later on the Caledonia County Conservation Commission from 1977 to 1997, dedicating himself to the preservation of Vermont’s working landscape.

Professionally, John excelled as a representative for the Stride Rite Shoe Company, retiring in 1998 as their top salesman. He then co-founded Gloucester Associates, serving as vice president until his recent retirement. As the son of a cobbler, John took great pride in continuing his family’s legacy and passion for quality footwear. In fact, shoes were always the first thing John noticed about a person—he believed you could tell a lot about someone by their choice of footwear. His family often joked that no one ever left his house without a new pair of shoes, as John made certain his loved ones were always well outfitted from the ground up.

John was a master storyteller, captivating friends and family with tales from his adventures, his upbringing, and his many years in Vermont and beyond. Whether recounting a childhood escapade or sharing his wisdom, John’s stories were always delivered with humor, heart, and a twinkle in his eye. His best stories, of course, were often told with a glass of scotch or a gin and tonic in hand, surrounded by those he loved most.

A lifelong Boston sports fan, John followed the Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, and Patriots with unwavering loyalty through every season. He read the Boston Globe religiously, never missing a sports section or a chance to discuss the latest game or headline with friends and family. 

John is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Patricia; his sons, Christopher J. Laggis, John N. Laggis Jr. (Johanna), and David M. Laggis; and seven grandchildren: Hillary Ribaudo (Theodore), Andrew Laggis (Alison), Hans Laggis (Chelsea), Anna Greaves (Daniel), Daniel Laggis (Marissa), Alexandra Pooler (Brandon), and Kelly Laggis. He and Patricia were also blessed with five cherished great-grandchildren. John also leaves behind his sister-in-law Ann Laggis. 

He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Peter Laggis, his sister Mary and brother-in-law Theodore Sottery, and his sister Eleanor and brother-in-law Herman Haus.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at 10 a.m. on June 9, 2025, at Sanborn Cemetery in East Hardwick, VT.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Caledonia Home Health and Hospice, 161 Sherman Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

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