John Arthur Bagnulo (1936-2013)

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AUBURN – John Arthur Bagnulo, 76, of New Vineyard, after a three-month fight with cancer, died peacefully on Nov. 5, 2013 with his family by his side at the Androscoggin Hospice House.

John Arthur Bagnulo
John Arthur Bagnulo

He was born on Christmas Day in 1936 in Whitman, Mass., to Catherine and Arthur Bagnulo. He attended Whitman schools and then worked at the famous Toll House in Whitman making their famous desserts. It was there that he met his wife, Janet.

In 1956, he joined the U.S. Navy. He was stationed on the destroyer USS Robert H. McCard, DD822, for most of his service. He was discharged in 1960, and moved to Eastham, Cape Cod. He joined Orleans Furniture Store and worked there as a salesman and the manager of their Welfleet store. He moved to Brewster in 1968 and began working for Whitney Wayside Furniture Store. He was asstistant manager there until moving to Farmington in 1977.

He worked at Bouffard’s Furniture for three years, and then joined the support staff at MSAD 9. For a short time, he was a route bus driver, but moved to the maintenance department. He enjoyed that work including painting the Cougars on the high school and middle school gyms. He retired at 65.

Two days later he was offered the job as a “trip” driver. This was always his favorite job. He had the opportunity to drive the students to sport games, ski trips, musical concerts, and other activities. After 11 years of driving he retired at the age of 74.

He was an active member of the Fairbanks Union Church, Farmington Masonic Lodge, and the Order of the Eastern Star where he was appointed a grand officer. His hobbies were anything artistic. He enjoyed bird carving, making toys and cradles for his grandchildren, stained glass window hangings, and even building his own home. He was famous around the state for his baritone voice singing many times at the Civic Center, weddings, and soloing at his church. He also enjoyed gardening and taking care of his home and grounds.

John is survived by his wife of 57 years, Janet; two daughters, Nancy Pond and Doug of Farmington, Patricia Cleere and David of New Gloucester; one son, John Bagnulo and Joanna of Northport; two sisters, Angeline Masaitis of Brockton, Mass. and Jean Sanderson of Raynham, Mass; he leaves 10 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren, the joys of his life; several nieces and nephews; and many special friends.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, from 6 to 8 p.m. with a Masonic Service at 7:30 p.m. at Dan & Scott’s Cremation and Funeral Service, 488 Farmington Falls Road, Farmington. Funeral services will be on Monday, Nov. 11, 2013 at 1 p.m., at the Fairbanks Union Church, 583 Fairbanks Road, Farmington, with Rev. Douglas Walrath officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at the Fairview Cemetery in Farmington.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Auburn Hospice House, and mailed to Mrs. Nancy Pond, 494 Fairbanks Rd., Farmington, ME 04938.

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22 Comments

  1. To the entire Bagnulo Family; My heart breaks for you. I had the privilege of having John as my bus driver. He was the only bus driver I had who would call if he was going to be late (snow or whatever). It was an honor to have known him. I have thought of him often throughout the years, always bringing a smile to my face. I recently lost my mom and I know how difficult it is. Please know that you have my deepest sympathies. I pray that God gives you the strength to get through this terrible loss.

  2. I also had the great honor of having “Big John” as my bus driver and he was the best driver EVER! He always had a great big friendly smile and the kindest eyes. He knew every student by name and always sincerely cared about what was going on in their lives! He was a great man who will be greatly missed in our community!

  3. Our sincerest condolences to John’s entire family. John drove our students to so many musical and theatrical events and he was always such a pleasure to work and talk with. Sincerely, Steve and Debby Muise

  4. Big John will be missed, he was on just about every trip I went on when I was at Mt. Blue. What a great guy. Last time I saw him was at Saddleback where he had driven the band up to play a concert at the Mtn. Rest in Peace, you touched many people’s lives.

  5. I was a big fan of John, his artwork at the schools, his way of telling stories, and how much he loved the students and sincerely cared about their lives and activities. What a gracious, wonderful person :) My heart goes out to his family and close friends, particularly his son who was near my age in school. Thank you for sharing him with us for all those years!

  6. John was my co-worker and friend and always a pleasure to be around. I will miss seeing him.

  7. Janet, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May you find peace and comfort in your memories. John always had a smile for everyone. He will be missed by all of us who had the pleasure of knowing him.

  8. Trish my heart goes out to your whole family God has a new Angel and we will all be together someday be strong and know you are loved.

  9. To Nancy and Doug Pond-

    Our sincere condolences are with you and your family at this time. God Bless you.

  10. So sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was such a decent human being and so supportive of Rick and } when we went through our tough time. He will be missed.

  11. So sorry for your loss Doug and Nancy.

    John was a wonderful and gentle man. He would always do whatever was needed to make a trip go well for the kids. I really enjoyed knowing him over the years.

    Therese Hersey

  12. Cousins Janet, Nancy, Trish, and Johnny…

    John was a man with a heart of gold… well loved by so many, including me. I’m so very glad I knew him. I have many fond memories of him. May he rest in peace.
    Love to all of you.

  13. My sincere condolences to the Janet and her family. I remember John well from when he worked on the maintenance crew at SAD9. He was a very talented individual. I always enjoyed talking to him when he was at Mallett. He was a good person and always willing to help out when you needed something done. He will be missed.

  14. John drove us to many if not most of our sporting events in high school, and always would be right alongside our parents cheering for us whether is was 95, or -05. He had a great spirit and a warm smile. He will be greatly missed, but fondly remembered for being such a supportive, kind person. My condolences to his family.

  15. Oh this saddens my heart so deeply! I was on John’s beginning bus routes and he became my regular bus driver all through school, and I have loved him ever since! My favorite driver as a child and growing up all through school, as well as all through my son’s school years, and then as a district employee I was always filled with such joy to get to see John at various events. He always was eager to strike up a conversation about life and I always knew he was genuine and sincere. He always made me feel as though he were just as happy to see me as I was to see him. Such a friend, such a wonderful man! Oh, you will deeply be missed!! My deepest sympathies to John’s family.

  16. What a Gift to this Earth was John! A sad time for the family, I know, but the many gifts he gave and shared with so many will long be remembered. My condolences.

  17. We are so sorry to hear of John’s passing. Our love and sympathy are with you.
    Love,
    Cousin, Judi and Bob

  18. Janet and family

    John was a wonderful man who truly loved children. I will always remember his painting of the Book Worm on Mallett Library wall. Prayers to all of you.

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