Obituary of John Leon Tetlow

John Leon Tetlow
1930 - 2024 John Leon Tetlow, 93, died peacefully in his home on January 11, 2024. He was born in Hopedale, Massachusetts on August 27, 1930, and was the son of Edwin Joseph Tetlow, Sr. and Ella Marion (Wright) Tetlow. John was a former long-term resident of Hopedale, MA before relocating to Sullivan Harbor, Maine in 1981. After high school, he joined the Army and served as a corporal in the Korean War. He received the Army Occupation Medal of Germany.
 

John established himself as a well-known and highly respected carpenter in the Hopedale/Milford area. Upon moving to Maine, he and his son, Steven, incorporated Tetlow Builders and he continued to be a highly regarded master carpenter in Maine. He built custom homes which were featured in a national trade magazine. He gained notoriety with his ingenuity and craft organizing, managing, and building a gazebo for the Town of Sullivan for their bicentennial celebration. He was a founder of the Sullivan Art Gallery and operated it for 20 years. He served as President of the Sullivan Comprehensive Planning Board, served on the Board of Appeals, and created the Sullivan Village Improvement Assoc.
 

John was an extraordinary, talented, creative, kind, devoted, loving husband, father, friend, and servant to the community. He was a brother of the Grand Council of Masons, member of the Union Evangelical Church, sang in the chapel choir, volunteered in church musicals and plays, and sponsored and coached little league baseball.
 

John attended Worcester Polytechnic Architect School in Worcester, MA and studied art under Bernard Corey in Rockport, MA. He was a member of the American Legion and Vets Post 0178, an avid fisherman, an artist, and expert rifleman.
 

John was predeceased by his wife Elaine, in 2020. He is survived by his children, Kathie and her husband Jim Brodeur of Whitinsville, MA, Steven and his wife Sally Tetlow of Hancock, ME, Kris and her husband Mark Prepelka of Lynn Haven, FL, brother Bill Tetlow, 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

The family is planning a private family graveside burial and service on June 15, 2024, followed by a Celebration of Life gathering at the Sullivan Town gazebo at noontime. Memorial donations can be sent to the Franklin Veterans Club. Check or money orders can be made and mailed to FVC, ATTN: Tina Smith, P.O. Box 66, Franklin, ME 04634.

Memories and condolences may be shared at directcremationofmaine.com.