John P. Levesque, 90, formerly of Shoreham and Ripton, VT, passed away peacefully in the presence of his children at the, Helen Porter Nursing Home on February 24, 2019. John was born on November 16, 1928 to Romeo and Dorcas Levesque of Hyde Park, VT; the eldest of six sons. There, on his parents dairy farm, he developed his love for animal husbandry; a devotion that would chart his life direction. After graduating from high school in Hyde Park, he served in the Air Force for four years, operating at the rank of Staff Sergeant during the Korean Conflict. In 1957, John graduated from the University of Vermont with a degree in Agricultural Science. In 1961, John and his wife, Nan, purchased a dairy farm in Shoreham, VT, which they operated with their family for twenty-five years. Johns early years in the dairy industry were marked by recognitions of distinction; John prided himself on the product he produced, always emphasizing quality over quantity. To spend time with John on his farm was to spend time with an individual who succeeded in blending vocation with avocation; the herd of Holsteins he cultivated represented both his pride and passion. Throughout his life, John remained a devoted fan of the Boston Red Sox; he delighted when the 2004 season finally affirmed his decades of loyalty. In later years, he and his second wife, Jane, spent hours transforming their flower gardens into a kaleidoscope of brilliant hues and succulent fragrances. Many was the afternoon spent enjoying these creations while relaxing nearby on their deck. John will be fondly remembered for his depth of kindness, warm, often self-deprecating humor and soft-spoken wisdom. He lived a life marked by humility towards self and generosity towards others. Johns wealth manifested itself in the quality and longevity of his friendships and the unconditional love and loyalty of his family. John is survived by his loving wife, Jane; her two sons Ronald and Pat as well as his three children; Mark and his wife Janine, Jeff and his wife Betsy, and his daughter, Deb. John is blessed with five grandchildren; Megan, Hannah, Jameson, Kelly, Mychaella, Shaina and Chandler and numerous great grandchildren. John was predeceased by his first wife, Nan Hoover, and a son, Matthew. Johns final three years were spent at the Helen Porter Nursing Home where he continued to offer and receive warm words and smiling faces. Johns family is deeply grateful to the Memory Wards staff for their devoted care of John during his stay. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM Friday, March 1, at St. Marys Catholic Church in Middlebury, VT. Calling hours will be held from 5 - 7 pm, Thursday, February 28, at Sanderson-Ducharme Funeral Home in Middlebury, VT. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Johns memory to the, "Courtyard Fund", C/O Helen Porter Rehabilitation and Nursing; 30 Porter Drive; Middlebury, VT 05753. SERVICES Visitation Thursday, February 28, 2019 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Sanderson-Ducharme Funeral Home 117 South Main St Middlebury, VT 05753 Funeral Service Friday, March 1, 2019 10:00 AM St. Mary's Church 326 College St Middlebury, VT 05753