Grief fills the room up of my absent child,
Lies in his bed, walks up and down with me, 
Puts on his pretty looks, repeats his words, 
Remembers me of all his gracious parts,
Stuffs out his vacant garments with his form;
Then, have I reason to be fond of grief?

   I'll never forget the first time I met John. It was the beginning of my relationship with Wil and I was getting ready to spend the weekend at his house, which he shared with John at the time. We were planning a Friday night dinner together, and as "the girlfriend," I was really hoping to make a good impression on my (unbeknownst) future brother-in-law. 
	From the first moment I met John I knew he was one-of-a-kind. We became fast friends as he showed me his paintings, and told stories about his diving days and the shenanigans of his younger years. I think I was lucky enough to get most of his life story that first night, and I couldn’t help but feel charmed and inspired by John's zeal.
     I've had the privilege of knowing John and the Pandolfo family intimately for the past 15 years or so. For this, I feel compelled to pay homage a man who was truly a treasure to those who were lucky enough to be a part of his journey.
	John had dreams and aspirations that went way beyond the daily challenges and limitations of his life. This was expressed in so many beautiful ways. 
	He was an incredibly talented artist and craftsman. It was in his DNA; it was in his bones. From the largest murals to the smallest piece of painted glassware, John could create exquisite beauty. There was a period where he was painting a lot of landscapes with sunsets, and he had such a knack for mixing just the right amount of red, orange, yellow, and blue to recreate the lighting of this natural wonder. And when we’d compliment him on his work he would say, “Yeah… they don’t make that color.”
	John was a fantastic story teller. Did you ever hear the one about chasing lightning? Or the time he built a boat from scratch that was actually seaworthy, if only for a short time? He lived more in 52 years than some people who live twice as long, and his stories were a reflection this. (cont'd.)

John LOVED animals, especially his best companions, his dogs. Neco, Junior, Missy, Buddy, and his beloved Blaze. He had so much love to give, and they all loved him right back.
	Family was central in John’s life. He had an unbreakable bond with his mother, Marie; an unwavering love for his father, Frank; and a deep friendship with Linda and Will, his younger sister and brother. He was the most fun uncle a kid could ask for. I know Zoe, Nolan, and Ella will miss his silly ways, and we will always cherish memories of turkey legs and dancing in the living room after dinner. 
	John could make friends wherever he went, and he developed so many meaningful relationships over the years. He loved getting together with his friends to play darts, lounge by the lake, or grill and relax on his deck. He was a gentle, kind, adventurous, and big-hearted person who would do anything for anyone in need.
	While this doesn’t even begin to paint a clear picture of John’s beautiful and complex soul, I know one very basic thing to be true (thanks to him): They don’t make that color. There will never be another man like John in our lives, and together we grieve this tremendous loss.
	We will honor John's life by cherishing the things he left us with—his art, his stories, and the memories we’ve made together. Until we meet again, my friend, I know you’ll have a birds-eye view of that sunset you worked so hard to perfect.

With love, 
Laura

Thinking of the Pandolfos and so many wonderful childhood memories with your family - remembering blueberry pancakes on Vermont camping trips and the playhouse in your yard.  My condolences to all who knew and loved John. So sorry for this loss.

				 February 4, 2020

Dear John,

	It’s only been eight days since you left on a journey to be with God that I didn’t want you to take, but I know you had to.  I will miss you terribly every day of my life, but I promise that I will find the courage to go on living my life as courageously as you lived yours.
 
	All your life John you were a kind, giving, good man.  You were always happy to share with others whatever fortune sent your way. You never took advantage of others, never held grudges, never sought revenge. I wish I had told you more often how much I admired you for those qualities.

	Over the course of your, life both in New Jersey and in Maine, you made more friends than I can count.  Some I knew; some I didn’t.  But when I asked a very close friend of yours which of your friends really liked you, with a broad, bright smile she said, “Everybody loved John”.  

	John, your art accomplishments are stunning. Linda made a slide show of all your life’s work. And as it ran, your friends and family were in awe.  Your skies, your cloud formations, your undersea worlds, your flora touched everyone.  Now I know why, while looking at a beautiful sky one day, you told Wil, “…they don’t make that color”. Aunt Jane, Uncle Mike, Suzanne, Chris, all now have pieces of your work to display in their homes alongside Grandpa’s paintings.  Grandpa, I am sure, is very proud of you.

	I am so grateful that you completed the “Seasons” murals on my basement wall.  Mom, as she had promised, made handsome notecards from a photo of each panel.  We gave a packet of cards to everyone who was in your life.  They loved them. And, I have those beautiful murals to see every day in my home. Oh, and that 5’x5’ canvas of the sea turtles now hangs in my kitchen near the family dinner table.  Family dinners will continue; you will still be with us. (cont’d.)


John, in spite of the many obstacles and hurdles that life threw in your path, your courage got you through. You were brave, creative, easy to laugh, a friend to many, a son, a brother and uncle in a family that loved you.  You may not know it, but you have taught me, and all the family, more about living than we tried to teach you.

John, as you dwell in heaven with God our Father, Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit, rest in eternal glory and peace.  You deserve it.

And lastly, John, please know that it has been my privilege to have been your father.

With all my love, 

Dad


I am ever so saddened to hear of the loss of such a beautiful person, I remember, and will continue to remember you, with the fondest of memories,
         God Bless...




Fifty one years ago God gave me a treasure, all of 5 lbs. 7 oz., who would give me purpose, joy, love, laughter, friendship, companionship, a legacy of accomplishments and a lifetime of wonderful memories. 

Sending you hugs at 8:15 every morning.                        Love, Mom 

My deepest condolences to Frank, Marie, Linda and William.  May all the fond memories comfort your grief. My heart breaks that this kind, gentle, introspective soul has left us too young. Uncle Frank shot a photo of John, Glenn and I in the front yard one Fall afternoon; maybe we’re 10 years old. “The Three Amigos” photo became a vivid fixture in my bedroom, capping off the childhood I spent with John:  Bicycling together on family trips in Vermont, vacationing at Cape Cod (enduring rain and flu!) and holidays stretching back to my youngest memory. He once decided we should dig a swimming pool in his backyard, handed me a shovel, eager to embark on his audacious plan, dismissive of my practical objections! In hindsight, I regret that we — no, that I — didn’t dare to try, instead stifling his creative, aspirational vision of a full-sized in-ground pool with onerous, imposing obstacles. Just think how surprised his parents would be! Or perhaps I should have deflected him to something more manageable — a hot tub! ... at worst, the grass, once replanted, would have grown back ... 

John was a very nice person. He will be sadly missed.He was very talented in painting things to look so real.

Sending our deepest condolences to the Pandolfo family.  I am so sorry for your loss!  Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.  

Love, 
The Carney Family

We had allot of good times 🤗you'll be missed 😞 by all who new you. Fly high my friend 😓😓

John , ill cherish all the great memories we had ❤ from darts , to sand pond , to just hanging out at your house !!! I'll forever miss you , and ill always remember your laugh ( always made me laugh) I love you my buddy 

I can't believe your go e I am so gonna miss you our trips to ll Bean our talks you are gonna always be in my 💓 gonna miss you John your at peace now rest in peace my fridnd

Deepest sympathy to the Pandolfo family. John I will always remember as a colorful person. His artwork, bird houses are only a couple of his works that amazed most folks.  John’s laugh would always make me laugh. John is loved and will be greatly missed.  Rest peacefully John. 

All of the good times we had together... playing darts, swimming at sand pond, and just hanging out at your place. I can't believe you're gone. So many times I thought of stopping by to see you recently if I had known I would have stopped every time. I'll miss you John you were an amazing loving person the world won't be the same without you

Words can't describe the hurt i am feeling right now with you're passing. You were such a caring, kind, and supportive "Best Friend" and life certainly won't be the same without you. I will make sure Blaze is well taken care of. I listen to all the songs that you relentlessly made Jenny and I listen to while riding around with you and i will cherish those memories forever <3 Fly High My 3rd Amigo and Musketeer... Love Dawny Dawn

I’m going to miss you John. I’m going to miss the knock on the sliding glass door and when I look out it was you with a big smile. You would come in and i’de say you want coffee John (he loved his coffee). He’d say yes, 1 level sugar and a little cream. We’d talk, John was a very interesting person and I miss him deeply. I love you my friend and will always cherish the memories.❤️.

Those we love don’t go away,
They walk beside us everyday,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed, and so very dear!
Thanks for the the laughs and until we meet again , I’ll miss you my friend !

John you will be dearly missed. You were a great person with a big heart. Thank you for teaching me how to paint flowers they were always a pain! I will forever treasure your art work you painted for me ❤️  rest easy buddy 😢

OBITUARY

John Michael Pandolfo

1 February, 1968 – 23 January, 2020

Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home

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