PROSPECT — John A. Liljestrand, 87, of Prospect, passed away peacefully at VITAS IPU on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022. He was the loving husband of Donna (Bondy) Liljestrand for 61 wonderful years.
John was the last living child of Edwin and Margaret (Winblah) Liljestrand in Shrewsbury, Mass. John lived a full and wonderful life. He was a proud graduate of Bates College, ultimately, he earned a seventh-year degree in education.
John taught biology at Pulaski High School, where he also coached football and baseball. He inspired and coached many young men who became successful in their chosen fields, and notably two went on to play professional football for the New Orleans Saints and the Dallas Cowboys.
John was a wonderful husband and father.
It was love at first sight for John and Donna. They met on a blind date. He proposed on their second date and three months later they were married.
They had 61 wonderful years together raising their two daughters Jennifer and Vicki, and later in life cruising all over the world and land travel of the United States.
After retirement, he pursued his interest in woodworking; birdhouses, a rocking horse and whatever else was requested, John put his skill to the task. He was an avid Red Sox fan and a New England Patriots supporter (even when they played poorly).
John leaves to cherish his life, love and memory his wife Donna and daughters Jennifer, and husband Gary Pituck of Newburyport, Mass., and Vicki and husband Peter Haas, of Hebron.
John “Grampa” will be so missed by his treasured grandchildren, Trevor and wife Nicole Pituck, currently stationed in Germany, Clayton Pituck of Boston, Madison Haas of Baltimore, Md., as well as Benjamin Haas of Hartford.
A celebration of life service was held Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022 at Prospect Memorial/The Palmerie Family Funeral Home, 72 Waterbury Road, Prospect. You are invited to share a fond memory, favorite photo or words of comfort for John’s family on his Tribute Wall at prospectmemorial.com.
In lieu of flowers if you so desire, memorial donations may be made to Bates College Scholarship Fund at bates.edu/give, or Bates College, 2 Andrews Road, Lewiston, ME 04240.
John was a kind and giving man; in his honor please consider completing an act of kindness.
