Obituary of John Arthello Anderson

John (Andy) Arthello Anderson (also affectionately known as Thella), 66, of Pomfret, Maryland went to be with his Lord after a long struggle with cancer, surrounded by his family on Wednesday morning, October 3, 2018.

John was born February 25, 1952 in Issue, Maryland to Willard L. and Amie C. (Hill) Anderson.  He was the youngest child in his family.  He married Phyllis Margaret Sandidge on February 12, 1977 at St Mary's Catholic Church in Piscataway, Maryland.  From that union, they had three children, Shawnna Letrice (Anderson) White, Aaron Jevon Anderson, and Ledra Christine Anderson.

John met Margaret at Marshall Hall Amusement Park in 1973 when John was playing in a band on the Wilson Line.  He asked his best friends' wife to introduce them.  After 1 year of dating John proposed to Margaret at his mother's home with a cake and red roses while their favorite song was playing.  He was a true romantic!

John began his career in the federal government with NIH in 1972, while he was playing his music part time.  He later transferred to Andrews AFB Air National Guard to pursue a career in the heating and air conditioning field.  As a Utility Systems Operator, he worked not only on Andrews AFB but also for many other high-ranking military officials at their personal residences.  He also maintained the HVAC system on Air Force One for President's Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Ronald Reagan.  His government career ended after 37 years when he retired in 2010.  While working at Andrews AFB, John started his own HVAC business. He maintained this successful business for 30+ years.

John was a loving husband, father and grandfather.  His passion was helping others, playing and listening to music, washing his cars and trucks and just piddling around the yard.  He was a homebody and only went out when there was a family gathering or Sunday mass.  He faithfully attended church and truly loved the Lord.  He had an amazing singing voice that he shared mostly with his family after his music career ended. John loved to play alto, tenor and soprano saxophone, flute, clarinet and melodica. He loved his work and shared his talents with many people.  He also loved to share his HVAC knowledge with others. He spent many hours mentoring his son, Aaron, and anyone else who asked him how to repair furnaces and air conditioners.

He leaves to cherish many memories: his wife, Phyllis Margaret Anderson; son, Aaron J. Anderson; two daughters, Shawnna L. White (Chris) and Ledra C. Anderson; a grandson, Cameron White; two brothers, Willard L. Anderson, Jr. (Sherleece) and Albert Anderson (Joyce); two sisters, Mary Natalie Savoy (Lewis deceased) and Ina Johnson (Joseph); one uncle, L. Ronald Anderson and one aunt, Eleanor J. Dashiell and a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, family and friends.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Willard L. Anderson and Amie Hill Anderson; and a brother, Paul N. Hill.

Evening Viewing, 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, Tuesday, October 9, 2018 with Prayer Service at 7:00 pm, in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A.; Morning Viewing, Wednesday, October 10, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 4590 St. Joseph Way, Pomfret, Maryland from 10:00 am until Mass of Christian Burial, 11:00 am. Interment, Church Cemetery.