Vernon Mourning The Loss Of Popular Registrar John Anderson

VERNON, CT — John Anderson, the popular and beloved Vernon Republican Registrar of Voters, has died, town officials said Wednesday.

Mayor Daniel Champagne and Town Administrator Michael Purcaro called the 74-year-old Anderson's passing "unexpected."

In a statement issued with the Vernon Town Council, Champagne and Purcaro said, "John Anderson was a longtime leader and public servant of the Town of Vernon, and a good friend to many."

Anderson was a respected registrar, a position he had held since 2013, Purcaro said. He also served as a special constable since 2014 and "fulfilled a significant leadership role" on the Water Pollution Control Authority for many years, town officials said.

The statement continued, "John epitomized life and service in a small town. He was woven into the fabric of this community. Losing someone like John creates a loss, a vacuum that will not be easy to fill. He was a person who could always be counted on and who cared deeply about Vernon. John’s devotion to volunteering and public service are part of his legacy."

Anderson was known for his light-heartedness and was often a calming influence at election time, particularly over the past 15 months during several drive-up votes amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Arrangements had not been announced as of Thursday afternoon.