New Bern, NC - Jon Richard Anderson, 80, of New Bern, NC, passed away surrounded by family on Tuesday, February 28, at Carolina East Hospital after a brief illness.

Jon was born November 11, 1936 in Torrington, CT, to Ernest and Lillian Anderson. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Ernest, Theodore, and Edward. Jon is survived by his wife of 48 years, Eleanor; son, Jon (Karen) of Richmond, VA; Timothy (Laura) of New Bern, NC; and Heather (Mark) of Zionsville, IN. He has five grandchildren: Daniel and David Anderson, Grace and Theodore Anderson, and Matthew Beaupre.

Jon grew up on a dairy farm in Morris, CT, and graduated from Morris High School in 1954. He spent three years in the U.S. Army before attending the University of Connecticut. Jon spent the majority of his career in various management jobs, including Director of Materials Management, at Hartford Hospital, retiring in 2001. Jon also served as the President of the Canton Visiting Nurses Association and spent time in the Governor’s Foot Guard for America’s Bicentennial in 1976. He was a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge.

Jon was an avid sports fan and loved watching golf, the St. Louis Cardinals, and UConn women’s basketball. Last year, Jon watched in-person as the UConn women won the NCAA national basketball championship. But his biggest passion was playing golf which he did multiple times a week until his death. He was fortunate to play in the celebrity pro-am of the Greater Hartford Open and even shot a hole-in one in 2006.

Jon and Ellie spent the majority of their marriage in Canton, CT, after meeting on a ski outing at Okemo Mountain in 1966. Jon and Ellie enjoyed skiing, playing golf, taking cruises, and spending time with family and friends. Jon will long be remembered for dressing as a gorilla each Halloween, and for playing Santa at the Canton Community Center and nursery schools. He loved sharing stories of his youth, including when he walked his pet pony into the farmhouse kitchen. His children and grandchildren grew up on stories of Blueberry Ted and Apple Sam as a way to learn important life lessons. In his retirement, Jon would share breakfast with local Canton friends at what is affectionately known as “the knowledge table.”

Calling hours will be held at the Vincent Funeral Home, 120 Albany Turnpike, in Canton on Tuesday, March 7th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Funeral services will be held at the Morris Congregational Church, 9 East Street in Morris on Wednesday, March 8th at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow at the East Morris Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Jon’s name to The Henry Low Heart Center via the Hartford Hospital Fund at , or to a charity of the giver’s choice.