Obituary: John Samuel Hall Jr. - “Sonny”
July 27, 1943 - June 5, 2026
June 16, 2026
John Samuel Hall Jr., “Sonny. 1943-2026
John Samuel Hall Jr., “Sonny,” 82, of Waterbury, Vermont, passed away in the comfort of his family at his home on Friday, June 5, 2026. Born on July 27, 1943, in Brunswick, Maine, he was the son of the late John S. Hall Sr. and Evelyn Mae Ramsey. Sonny married Linda Corey on July 10, 1965, in Waterbury. She predeceased him on January 25, 2010. In 2017, he married Wendy Witham in Waterbury.
Sonny and his family moved to the Mad River Valley when he was 4 years old; he attended Waitsfield High School. He spent much of his life working as a truck driver for Anderson Concrete in Waterbury, the Town of Waterbury Highway Department, and ST Griswold of Williston; he also worked at Rossignol Ski Company in Williston, retiring in 2006.
Sonny found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved fishing, flying kites, and listening to and performing music. A talented self-taught musician, he played the saxophone, guitar, harmonica and piano in local bands, and brought energy and rhythm wherever he went. Known for his big personality and warm smile, Sonny was someone you could often hear before you saw him—a presence that left a lasting impression on all who knew him. He also was a past member of the Waterbury Fire Department.
He is survived by his loving wife, Wendy “Withan” Hall of Waterbury; his son, Cass Bressette and wife Shelly of Williamstown; and his daughter, Sonja Bracey and husband Kevin of Morrisville. He also leaves behind his brother, Dennis “Babe” Hall of Fayston, along with three grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, as well as nieces, nephews, and extended family.
A celebration of Sonny’s life will be held on Saturday, August 8, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the park near his home on State Drive in Waterbury. Parking will be available on Horseshoe Drive along South Main Street in Waterbury.
Sonny’s vibrant spirit, love of music, and larger-than-life personality will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.