John Louis Paquet

Just a month after saying goodbye to his beloved wife of 53 years, Beverly Jean Paquet, John Louis Paquet passed away at home on October 1, 2026, at the age of 82, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, love, laughter, and a family forever changed by the loss of both parents in such a short time. 

John was born on February 29, 1944, in Burlington, Vermont, to Louis Joseph Paquet and Mildred Frances Hackett, both of whom preceded him in death. Born on Leap Day, John had the distinction of celebrating his actual birthday only once every four years, making him a little extraordinary right from the beginning. 

John proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1962 to 1965. Following his military service, he began a successful 30-year career with IBM as a Systems Analyst, retiring in 1995. But anyone who knew John knew that retirement was never going to mean sitting still. 

For the next 20 years, he operated his own home maintenance and repair business, putting his knowledge, resourcefulness, and hardworking hands to good use. Even after fully retiring, John always had a project underway. Whether fixing something around the house or building benches to sell on Craigslist, he simply wasn't one to sit idle. There was always something to build, repair, improve, or tinker with.

Outside of work, John enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. He loved fishing and camping, searching for treasures at antique shops, strolling through flea markets, and adding to his immense collection of Christmas stamps. He had an appreciation for things with a little history, a little character, or something that could be brought back to life with a little work. 

But perhaps John's favorite place in the world was right in his own backyard. His back porch and workshop were his personal retreat, complete with a television, a refrigerator stocked with his favorite Bud Light, a freezer full of meat, and a grill always ready for something delicious. It was there that he was truly in his element, relaxing with his favorite television programs, tending to whatever was cooking on the grill, or exchanging friendly banter over the wall with his favorite neighbor, JJ. It wasn't anything fancy, and that was exactly what made it perfect. 

John was a proud girl-dad to four daughters, and he never missed an opportunity to make sure his girls knew how to take care of themselves. He passed along more than practical skills; he taught them to be strong, independent, resourceful, and unafraid to tackle life's challenges. His efforts live on in each of his girls, who grew into forces to be reckoned with - a legacy he would surely be proud of. 

John and Beverly shared 53 years of marriage, building a life together through all its joys, challenges, and adventures. Their love and commitment created a family whose memories will carry them both forward. Although losing them just a month apart has brought unimaginable sorrow, there is comfort in knowing that their time apart was brief and that they are together once again. 

John leaves behind his daughters Angela, Michelle, and Kelly, along with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and friends who will forever cherish his memory. 

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Beverly Jean Paquet; his daughter, Elizabeth Dee Cornell; and his parents, Louis Joseph Paquet and Mildred Frances Hackett. 

John will be remembered for his hardworking hands, his independent spirit, his ability to fix just about anything, and his appreciation for life's simple pleasures. His workshop may now be quiet, the grill may sit unused, and the familiar conversations over the backyard wall may be missed, but the memories he created will remain with those who loved him. 

We find comfort in imagining John and Beverly together again, perhaps with a cold beer nearby, something cooking on the grill, and nowhere else they need to be. 

Together for 53 years in marriage, separated for just a month, and reunited for eternity.

No formal services will be held. Both John and Beverly will be laid to rest at the Marana Veterans Memorial Cemetery on November 30, 2026.