Obituary: John Burrill

John Burrill

WINDHAM – John Burrill of Windham, died on Aug. 7, 2026, at the age of 92.

Born in Bangor on Dec. 16, 1933, John graduated from Bangor High School and earned his pharmacy degree from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, working weekends at a lumberyard to pay his way. Shortly after high school he met Charlotte Hope Kelley; while away at college he wrote her a letter every day. They married in 1957 and settled in Windham, where they raised their three children.

John opened the first pharmacy in North Windham and later owned and managed several other businesses. He also served as president of the Maine Pharmaceutical Association. A lifelong sailor, he eventually owned a 62-foot ketch. In 1985 he sailed with family and friends from Camden, to the Azores and onward along the northern Mediterranean to Greece. The boat, Tequendama, was later sailed to the Caribbean, where he and Charlotte and friends enjoyed many more years among the islands.

John built a cottage in Trenton, where the family spent 50 summers. In the 1990s they began spending winters in Sarasota, Fla. A skilled craftsman, avid reader, competitive bridge player, and painter, John lived a full and adventurous life. He also enjoyed tennis with Charlotte and, later in life, golf.

In 2021 he and Charlotte returned to their Windham farm, where they spent their final years together. They were married for 67 years.

John is survived by his three children, John J. Burrill, Jane Dickinson, and Nathan Burrill; and his grandchildren, Alida Nelson (Aaron) and Cidra Nelson.

He was predeceased by his wife, Charlotte Hope Kelley Burrill; and his parents, Charles and Arlene Burrill.

A gathering for friends and family will be held on Aug. 30, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Highland Lake Grange, 9 Hardy Rd., Westbrook. Burial will be at a later date in Bowdoinham.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Refuge League of Greater Portland

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