Former Vietnam veteran and gifted craftsman found fulfillment in serving his community
Jonathan F. Wells of South Hero passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on June 2, 2025, at the age of 78. His memory lives on through his wife of 55 years, Alice Wells; his children, Heather (Wells) and Steven Trombley, James and Shannon Wells, and Wendy (Wells) and Dr. Kahren Aydinyan; grandchildren, Lauren and Catherine Trombley; Minnette, Claire and Isla Wells; and Elise and Philip Aydinyan; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Allen “Red” Wells and Grace Knox, and his cousin, George Wells, of Arizona. Jon had a lifelong love of the water, spending his early years along the Susquehanna River in Bainbridge, N.Y., and later enjoying the beauty of Lake Champlain. Jon and his wife, Alice (Cullen), met as teenagers while on a boat club trip to Lake Champlain. Together they raised their family in South Hero, Vt., in the same home that once belonged to his grandparents, Rev. George F. Wells and Lucy Landon Allen Wells. He always had a dog at his side. Jon proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and remained active in veterans’ organizations, including the VFW and the Vietnam Veterans of America. Jon worked at IBM for nearly 25 years. An amateur radio operator, known by his call sign KA1VLF, he had a wide array of interests and talents. He was a devoted Boston Red Sox fan and enjoyed sailing, canoeing, target shooting, speed skating and motorcycling. He was a member of the U.S. Norton Owners Association, and, in 1974, Jon and Alice travelled on their Norton through the British Isles. A gifted craftsman, he hand-built a classical guitar, and he also had a keen eye for photography, especially capturing nature and people. Some of his photography is exhibited in the permanent collection at the Vermont Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Sharon, Vt. He found great fulfillment in contributing to his family and community through acts of love and service. He volunteered with Special Olympics and was always quick to offer help to his neighbors, embodying a quiet generosity and kindness. Above all else, Jon was a man of integrity. He gave thoughtful, calm guidance and was an incredible husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the South Hero Volunteer Fire and Rescue Departments, Food for Thought, or C.I.D.E.R…
Former Vietnam veteran and gifted craftsman found fulfillment in serving his community
Jonathan F. Wells of South Hero passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on June 2, 2025, at the age of 78. His memory lives on through his wife of 55 years, Alice Wells; his children, Heather (Wells) and Steven Trombley, James and Shannon Wells, and Wendy (Wells) and Dr. Kahren Aydinyan; grandchildren, Lauren and Catherine Trombley; Minnette, Claire and Isla Wells; and Elise and Philip Aydinyan; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Allen “Red” Wells and Grace Knox, and his cousin, George Wells, of Arizona. Jon had a lifelong love of the water, spending his early years along the Susquehanna River in Bainbridge, N.Y., and later enjoying the beauty of Lake Champlain. Jon and his wife, Alice (Cullen), met as teenagers while on a boat club trip to Lake Champlain. Together they raised their family in South Hero, Vt., in the same home that once belonged to his grandparents, Rev. George F. Wells and Lucy Landon Allen Wells. He always had a dog at his side. Jon proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and remained active in veterans’ organizations, including the VFW and the Vietnam Veterans of America. Jon worked at IBM for nearly 25 years. An amateur radio operator, known by his call sign KA1VLF, he had a wide array of interests and talents. He was a devoted Boston Red Sox fan and enjoyed sailing, canoeing, target shooting, speed skating and motorcycling. He was a member of the U.S. Norton Owners Association, and, in 1974, Jon and Alice travelled on their Norton through the British Isles. A gifted craftsman, he hand-built a classical guitar, and he also had a keen eye for photography, especially capturing nature and people. Some of his photography is exhibited in the permanent collection at the Vermont Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Sharon, Vt. He found great fulfillment in contributing to his family and community through acts of love and service. He volunteered with Special Olympics and was always quick to offer help to his neighbors, embodying a quiet generosity and kindness. Above all else, Jon was a man of integrity. He gave thoughtful, calm guidance and was an incredible husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the South Hero Volunteer Fire and Rescue Departments, Food for Thought, or C.I.D.E.R…