John Joseph Commo, 60, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Waterbury Center on Tuesday, May 24, 2016. Born in Burlington on November 14, 1955, he was the son of the late Alfred H. “Chick” Commo Sr. and Gladys B. (Blair) Commo. John was previously married to the former Paula Patterson. On September 14, 1991, he married the former Kia Lynn Winchell in Waterbury.
John attended Harwood Union High School and then as a young man, began his lifelong vocation as a carpenter working for his father at Commo Construction. After several years, John struck out on his own forming John Commo Construction where he worked independently and as a subcontractor. John later joined M.F. Woodard Construction and Big Time Builders, both of Waterbury, where he was employed for many years. Most recently, John worked in maintenance and repair at Washington County Mental Health.
Coming from a family and lineage of musicians, John was a talented bass guitar player and more recently began playing the mandolin. Throughout the years he played with several groups including The Phoenix Band, the CW Band and the Cross Country Band. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting in his leisure time.
John is survived by his wife, Kia Winchell Commo of Waterbury Center; his daughters, Jessica Lynn Commo Wilson and her husband Tyler of West Chazy, New York, and Lisa Marie Commo Nisen and her husband Tom of Plattsburgh, New York; five grandchildren, Destiny, Faith and Ariel Nisen, Lance and Hudson Wilson; a great-grandchild, Kayden Stevens; a sister, Betty Jean Dow-Griggs and her husband Bryan of Orange; Alfred H. “Tiny” Commo Jr. and his wife Gloria of Waterbury Center, William A. Commo and his wife Linda of Worcester, Richard A. Commo and his wife Madonna of South Barre, Donald P. Commo and his wife Lynn “Peaches” of Barre, David Commo of Plainfield; as well as nieces, nephews and extended family. John was preceded in death by an infant sister, Cheryl Ann Commo.
Services will be held privately. For those who wish, memorial gifts would be appreciated to the Waterbury Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 95, Waterbury Center, VT 05677. Assisting the family is Perkins-Parker Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Waterbury. To send online condolences visit www.perkinsparker.com.
