“Fare you well, fare you well / I love you more than words can tell / Listen to the river sing sweet songs / To rock my soul.” Grateful Dead. “American Beauty”. Warner Bros. Records, 1970. CD. .

John “Silver Fox” McNeil Angier II (b. September 6, 1941, in Framingham, Mass.) passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, October 17, at 11:30 a.m. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Linda Zamvil, his sister, Dr. Linda Piccinini, and her husband, Dr. Peter Varga; his children, John Angier III and his wife, Jenni Angier; Katrina Angier Meadville and her husband, Geoff Meadville; Tegan Angier Lister and her husband, Patrick Lister; Lucas Angier; and Dr. Tucker Angier and his wife, Dr. Hannah Geldermann; his grandchildren, Geoffrey Meadville II, Sienna Angier, John Angier IV, Cooper Meadville, Patrick Lister II, Ryder Meadville, Spencer Lister, and Grace Lister; and his nephew and niece, Adrian and Danielle Varga. He also maintained a strong and close friendship with his first wife, Dr. Judith Austin. He was predeceased by his sister, Judith Kershner, and his parents, John McNeil Angier I and Helen McElroy Angier Piccinini.

A graduate of Fay School in Southborough, Mass., and Choate, Wallingford, Conn. in 1959, John received a Bachelor of Arts in History from Middlebury College in 1963 and a Master’s in American History from New York University in 1966. John’s accomplishments in education were marked by his overcoming of dyslexia.

John worked for many years at Hunneman Coldwell Banker Real Estate in Cambridge, Mass., serving as Senior Vice President beginning in 1992. He split his time between Cambridge and Stowe, Vermont.

A cancer survivor, he participated in fifteen Pan-Mass Challenges as both a rider and a spirit rider, spending winters on the slopes of Mt. Mansfield. John was also deeply involved in

coaching soccer, playing hockey, and competing as a master’s ski racer. He enjoyed golfing and skiing with his children, his wife, and friends, as well as fishing on Martha’s Vineyard, where he made his first home. His deep love of music began when he would visit jazz clubs in Boston at age twelve. He was also a devoted Red Sox fan and an avid follower of the sport, attending games whenever he could.

When not on the road or the mountain, he dedicated time to his gardens, his war against the woodchucks that benefited from his green thumb, or writing and reading, especially American History. Known by the nickname “Walter Mitty” for his tendency to daydream, John was adept at public speaking and writing. He was a contributing writer for Salt Water Sportsman, as well as the author of his own blog Off The Cuff. At the time of his passing, he was working on a children's book about groundhogs.

However, John got the most fulfillment from helping others. His generosity and kindness will leave a lasting impact on his community, specifically the Cambridge Art Association (CAA), where he served as President of the Board, Mount Auburn Hospital, where he served as a member of the Board of Advisors, and the Jewish Community of Greater Stowe (JCOGS), where he and his wife were members, since 1999, and where two of his sons celebrated their Bar Mitzvah. John obtained a Level II certificate from the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) and dedicated much of his life to improving access to skiing for people of all abilities. He also partnered with Pie in the Sky through the Community Servings program, an organization that provided home care to individuals diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, helping provide groceries to those in need.

John believed deeply in American democracy and was known for asking those around him to share their opinions on the policies of the day. He developed much of his political understanding through conversations with family and friends, valuing the exchange of different perspectives and believing that, even in times of disagreement and division, there was always a path forward together. John also took great pride in his family’s history of service. Until the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) discontinued the program in 2015, he ensured that flowers were placed at the graves of relatives laid to rest overseas.

John’s family was always at the center of his life. Over the years, his family expanded to include many close friends. He never missed a wedding, funeral or celebration of life, birthday, graduation, or reunion. Whether on the golf course, the slopes, at a Red Sox game, or gathered with family and friends, John found fulfillment in the people and activities he loved. His altruism, compassion, and willingness to show up for others will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations made in his name to The Manor Nursing Home, 577 Washington Highway, Morrisville Vermont (05661), https://www.justgiving.com/themanorinc or call 802-888-8735. A celebration of John’s life is being planned for a future date.