John E. Kreitler, 78

LACONIA — John Edward Kreitler, 78, formerly known as one of Lakes Region’s most beloved sons, peacefully passed through God’s Heavenly Gates the morning of Feb. 15, 2025. John died peacefully in his home surrounded by his family and loved ones.

John was born March 26, 1946, in East Orange, New Jersey. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert William Kreitler and Ruth (née Willan) Kreitler.

John was an ensign in the U.S. Navy and a Vietnam War veteran. After his service was completed, he received his juris doctorate from the University of Wisconsin School of Law. John practiced as an attorney for 35 years at Shipman and Goodwin, LLP, Hartford, Connecticut. In addition, John was a former member of the Connecticut Bar Association and the Hartford County Bar Association and served as the Hartford Seminary corporator. John also served as the Connecticut Venture Group secretary (Hartford Chapter) and was president of the Connecticut Technology Council. He served on the Advisory Board in Hartford, Connecticut, for The Entrepreneurship Institute and was an active member of the Glastonbury Historical Society.

John retired in 2010 with his beloved wife, Margie. Shortly afterward they relocated from Hartford, Connecticut, to Meredith, and in time, settled in Laconia. Both Margie and John shared a rich family history spanning several decades summering on Lake Winnipesaukee. Generational family gatherings included his grandparents (Marmie and Edward), their parents (Ruth and Robert, Vivian and Ned), and eventually children, grandchildren and extended family. John and Margie quickly embraced the community within the Congregational Church of Laconia, UCC. John had a naturally melodic voice and was a seasoned choir member. He also participated as the church treasurer and was a church moderator.

John was passionate about music and singing and he humbly lent the gift of his voice to various church choirs, the Power Chords and the Pemigewasset Choral Society. John exhibited his activism towards preserving the Lakes Region through serving on the Meredith Planning Board. In addition, his continuous support of MerNIA aka the Meredith and Islands Alliance allowed him to participate in protecting the lake and land he loved so much.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Margaret (McKenney) Kreitler of Laconia; children Wendy Miller (Robb) of Marysville, Pennsylvania, Kimberly Park of Holderness, and Jeremy Kreitler (Simona Di Francesco) of San Francisco, California; his grandchildren, Madison Murray, Evan Murray, Madeline Miller, Sarah Miller and Benjamin Miller of Marysville, Pennsylvania, and Story Balazs of Holderness; his sisters, Karen (Michael) Davidson and Leslie (John) Stauffer; as well as nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service in celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 2, at the Congregational Church of Laconia, UCC, 18 Veterans Square.

A reception will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations can be made in John’s memory to the Dorcas Fund of the Congregational Church of Laconia, UCC, 18 Veterans Square, Laconia, NH 03246.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit wilkinsonbeane.com.