Published in the February 24, 2017 edition
READING — John P. Ranlett, 84, a resident of Reading and formerly of Stoneham, passed away on Thursday, February 16, 2017 at Lahey Clinic Hospital in Burlington.
John was born in Malden on July 9, 1932, and was one of four children of the late Lloyd A. Ranlett and Lois N. (Putnam) Ranlett. He was raised in Stoneham, where he graduated from Stoneham High School. He was then appointed to West Point but due to a sudden illness during his senior year, he was unable to fulfill his dream of attending the military academy. John worked as a dive tender for 20 years for RJ Norris and Sons, an underwater construction company owned by his uncle. He then performed security service for New England Sanitarium for 15 years.
In his free time, John was an avid outdoorsman and adventure seeker. He loved the White Mountains of New Hampshire, where he went camping, biking, boating, and fishing. He shared his love for exploring the outdoors with his two nephews, Skippy and Jeffrey, and they made many fond memories of enjoying the New Hampshire together.
John was a strong, mentally tough individual. He faced many physical limitations throughout his life, but never ceased to continue on exploring the world. He took the bus or train almost daily into Boston for trips to experience the world. Partially paralyzed, John was incredibly independent, and no challenge was too big to overcome. John was smart, self reliant, and tough. He loved seeing new things, and was well liked everywhere he went. John was a unique man who will never be forgotten by the people he impacted in his life.
John was the treasured brother of Judith E. Donovan and her husband Ronald of Naples, Florida; Lloyd A. Ranlett Jr. and his wife Patricia of Salem, New Hampshire; and the late James T. Ranlett and his surviving wife Patricia of Stoneham. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather for a Graveside Service in honor of John’s life at Forest Dale Cemetery, 150 Forest St., Malden on Friday, February 24 at 10 a.m. For online tribute or directions, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
