John O B Sewall

John Oscar Bagot Sewall, 86, formerly of Peterborough, passed away at Pleasant View Center in Concord, NH on February 21, 2022.  He was born in Peterborough on January 3, 1936, the son of Oscar and Barbara (Bagot) Sewall.

John was a 1958 graduate of West Point Academy and earned his BA and MA at Oxford University, where he was a Rhodes Scholar and rowed crew in the 107th (1961) famous boat race between Oxford and Cambridge.  John continued with a distinguished military career, serving in the United States Army for 33 years where he worked with NATO.  During his military career he earned several medals and awards including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, two Legion of Merit Awards, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Purple Heart Award. He retired as a Major General in 1991.  After his retirement, he continued a life of service in the Balkans helping Bosnia and Croatia to construct ministries of defense.  He had a strong desire for world peace and was intent on doing his part to improve international relations.

John had a fierce love for his family and friends.  He enjoyed meeting people and attending social functions.  After his retirement, he enjoyed watching sports, mostly football.  He will be missed by those he encountered and influenced throughout his life. 

John is survived by his wife Martha (Biesanz) Sewall; his son Michael Sewall along with his children Nathan, Sophie, and Maria; his daughter Susan Sewall along with her children Starr and Skye and their children Giana and Zion; his stepson Brian Gorges along with his wife Susan and their children, Phoebe, Molly and Josie.  John will also be missed by many close friends.

A graveside service, with full military honors, will be held on Friday May 27, 2022 at 11:00am at Dublin Town Cemetery, Dublin, NH.

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