John Bisbee died October 24, 2025, shortly after his 99th birthday, at Wake Robin in Shelburne, Vt. As with all of his beliefs — the importance of family, volunteerism and philanthropy; a woman’s right to choose; a song for every occasion; the right to ice cream at least once a day — he advocated for and ultimately embodied the concept of death with dignity as a fundamental right.
He was a gentleman in the sense that he was a very gentle man: courtly, kind and humble. His curiosity and kindness showed in his desire to learn everyone’s stories; he meant it when he asked about you and sat with hearing aids firmly in place so he could truly listen.
He had two homes: Middlesex School, where his father reigned as a stern headmaster, and Fisher Hill, his parents’ farmhouse in Fayston, Vt., where he spent his summers and eventually moved full time. He married Margaret (Kim) Bisbee, with whom he had four children, and later married Brenda Bradley Bisbee, thereby gaining two stepsons. He was educated at Harvard (AB, astronomy) and Case Institute of Technology (MS, astronomy).
As an engineer in the aerospace industry, John developed optical systems for reconnaissance during the Cold War but refused to work on any weapon-related projects. He then transitioned to space exploration, helping design the first camera that landed on the surface of Mars and cameras for locating options for the first moon landing. He was very proud of his prowess with the lost art of a slide rule and later spreadsheets; to the very end of his life he was analyzing data on the detrimental effects of the abolishment of Roe v. Wade on women. He continued to pursue his passion for woodworking until his late eighties, crafting beautiful furniture and creating unique woodworking jigs.
In retirement he and his wife Brenda volunteered full time. After serving as a hospice visitor for a decade, he became a guardian ad litem for the next 29 years, working in the interest of children in court cases in Burlington. Connecting these two areas, he commented, “Dying is part of life, but neglecting children should not be.” On his retirement from that work, he was fêted and issued a State proclamation; with his tongue firmly in cheek he noted that his proclamation had nine “whereas” clauses, a number that he then compared to proclamations received by other Wake Robin residents.
John was predeceased by his wife Brenda Bradley Bisbee and is survived by Michael Bisbee (Sigrid McCabe) of Socorro County, N.M.; Daniel Bisbee (Connie Bisbee) of Crestview, Fla.; Alice Bisbee of Hull, Mass.; Janet Bisbee of Duxbury, Vt.; Brad Simonds (Morgan Smeraldi) of Sugarloaf Key, Fla.; Joshua Simonds (Hilary Simonds) of South Burlington, Vt.; 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
We are deeply indebted to the staff at Wake Robin, who showered him with love and care in his final years. Very few missed his ribbing and virtually all gave as good as they got. Claire, on a daily basis, checked his magnificent lies. Ron, who John dissed for wearing a Yankees baseball cap, finally resorted to posting an official notice in the dining room saying that those wearing Red Sox paraphernalia were not to be served. Others expressed their love with milkshakes and cookies, songs and wordplay, and always lots and lots of hugs.
This article appears in Oct 29 – Nov 4 2025.
What a beautifully written tribute to a great man! I knew John as a g-a-l — as noted, he was passionate about the care and safety of children. He brought his analytical skills to the study of child protection services in Vermont and was instrumental in improving court services for children and their families. His passing is another rent in the fabric of the universe; we will all miss him whether we knew him or not.
Dear Janet. I remember your dad fondly. after all this time. He was a gift; I had no idea of all the good he did, and only recall his kindness and warmth. my sympathies to all of the Bisbees. May the good works he did flower forever. Love, Joanna