John A. Granger , of Northfield, formerly of East Montpelier, died on Sept. 13, 2009, at Mayo Healthcare Manor in Northfield. He was born on Feb. 22, 1912, in St. Johnsbury, Vt.; the son of Albert C. Granger and Eliza Judkins Granger. John graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy in 1931, followed by a post graduate business course at the Academy. He worked for five years as a carpenter's helper with his father; then later with contractor, George Quimby. John enlisted in the Army in 1942 and was assigned to the 315th Combat Engineers of the 90th Infantry Division. He participated in the Normandy Invasion and received four battle stars with action in Normandy, Central Europe and the Battle of the Bulge. Upon returning home, he spoke at War Plants in New England. On April 21, 1945, he married Marguerite Campbell and after his discharge from the service, they moved to Montpelier, Vt., and later to East Montpelier where they lived for 38 years. John was a painter and paper hanger for seven years, worked for the Buttrick Creamery in East Montpelier for 10 years and then worked for the Vermont Department of Agriculture as a Weights & Measures Inspector for 15 years. He was a part-time columnist for the Times Argus and for several years was a guest speaker as a Vermont humorist. John was also a lay preacher and sang in the choir at the Old Brick Church of East Montpelier, where he was a member for many years. John was an excellent gardener and raised vegetables, strawberries and raspberries, as well as many varieties of flowers. In 1985, John and Marguerite moved to their winter home in Florida, where John had a small citrus grove. He was a member of the Trinity Methodist Church in Arcadia, where John enjoyed attending Sunday School. Survivors include daughters, Judith Rivard and her husband, Stephen of Williston, Vt.; Sally Barrett and husband, Wayne of Friendship, Maine; three granddaughters, Kristin Waterman and husband Brian of Easton, Mass., Karla Eberlein and husband Eric of Seattle, Wash.; Elizabeth Barrett of Westport, Mass. and grandson, Daniel Barrett of Friendship, Maine. John also leaves four great grandsons, James Waterman and Michael Waterman of Easton, Mass., Earl Eberlein and Asher Eberlein of Seattle, Wash., and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Marguerite, in 2005, and by two brothers, Martin Granger and Jason Granger. A memorial service will be held at the Old Brick Church in East Montpelier on Oct. 17 at 1 p.m. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Vt. Alzheimer's Association, 300 Cornerstone Drive, Suite 120, Williston, VT 05495.