John E. Fleury
ENOSBURG: John E. Fleury, age 66, passed away on the morning of January 29, in the comfort of his daughter’s home surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and faithful dogs. John peacefully joined the love of his life in heaven.
John was the oldest child of Jeff Fleury and Laura (Lockerby) Fleury, born in St Albans
They lived in Proctor for many years, and he told many stories about his escapades in the quarries there as a boy. The Fleury family farm in Isle La Motte is also the location of many memories. He met his wife Deborah (Hutchins) Fleury when they were just teenagers. They got married 8 days after he turned 18. Then they raised two daughters, Jenifer and Rebecca.
John worked hard to support his young family. He fibbed about his age so he could join the service at age 17. They then spent a few years living at Fort Dix in NJ where he met his lifelong friend, Joe Harris. Next the family settled in North Hero for many years where John hitchhiked many miles to work at times to support his family. To say that John and Debbie Fleury were hard working and determined would be an understatement. They lived off the land — hunting, growing, and creating whatever their family needed.
John loved to work with his hands and was a lifelong carpenter, he honed his skill working for several construction companies, including many years working for Kenneth R. Adams, eventually starting his own construction company, 2 Brothers and Daughters. If you have seen any of the decoys or knife handles and sheaths that he has created, you know that he was a master of fine details.
He loved to fish, hunt, and trap. But even more than doing it, he loved teaching others how. He taught many people how to bait a hook and fillet a fish. He made sure his daughters and all his grandchildren could shoot at a young age. His favorite family activity was taking all his grandchildren to the shooting range. If they happened to bring along a friend that wanted to try shooting, that made the day even better.
John was a big man with a gruff exterior and an entertaining sense of humor. Once you got to know him, you realized how thoughtful and caring he was. He was happiest visiting with family and friends at Camp in Alburgh where everyone was always welcome. His presence will continue to be felt at camp by all who stop in to visit.
He was an active member of the Alburg American Legion and was seen for many years leading the parade where he was responsible for presenting arms. John was also a strong supporter of the NRA and VT Trapper’s Association.
He was predeceased by his parents, his wife Deborah Fleury, and his brother Jeff Fleury.
He is survived and remembered with pride by his daughters Jenifer Hardy and her husband Tim of Georgia and Rebecca O’Neill and her husband Mark of Bakersfield; grandchildren Chelsea Fleury and her husband Devon Thomas of Georgia, Jenelle Hardy, LilyAnne O’Neill, Colton Hardy, and Keylee O’Neill and great-grandchildren Emmalynn Fleury-Tatro and Jackson Fleury-Thomas
You can pay your condolences on Monday, February 6 with visitation from 3-5 pm with a Memorial Service starting at 5 pm at the Goss Life Celebration Home, 89 Grand Ave., Swanton, VT.
If you would like to make a donation in John’s name, it would be appreciated to St. Jude’s, Wounded Warriors, and/or Hunt of a Lifetime which were organizations that he strongly believed in supporting.
Condolences, photos, and favorite memories may be shared through www.gossfs.com
