John Brooks Burditt 86, died early Wednesday morning July 26, 2017 at our house outback in Rutland after a lengthy illness. He was born January 19, 1931 in Wakefield, MA, the son of Roland and Nathalie (Cox) Burditt. John attended Wakefield schools, graduated from Wakefield High School class of 1948, he furthered his education at Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts in the field of Animal Husbandry. He served in the United States Coast Guard for 3 threes being honorably discharged with the rank of Engineman 2nd class. John met Claire Preston and they were married in Wakefield, MA on August 10, 1952. Employed as a Equipment Installer in the New England Telephone Co. for 35 years retiring as a Test Man in 1989. He had a lifelong interest in Trains and Railroading, his first job at 14, shoveling snow for the Boston & Maine Railroad. He enjoyed gardening, feeding the birds and fishing. John was a member of the Elks, Eagles and the American Legion Post 49 of Fair Haven. He is survived by his wife Claire, five children, Susan, Diane, Wayne, Edward and Eric, six grandchildren, Grant, John, Eric, Nancy, Claire and Amanda, one great-granddaughter Leah and many nieces, nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, two sisters, Marjorie and Patricia and a Nephew. Services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Post 49 of Fair Haven at 72 South Main Street, Fair Haven, Vt 05743. Arrangements are under the direction of the Ducharme Funeral Home Inc. Online condolences at www.ducharmefuneralhome.com