John Schofield

John Schofield, 93, of Evergreen Woods in North Branford, CT, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 10, 2022. He is survived by his three children, John Hamilton Schofield, Susan Virginia Graves, and Sally Ann Grant, and five grandchildren, Matthew Ian Graves, Jessica Ann Graves, Benjamin Hamilton Grant, Samuel Joseph Grant, and Emma Carlin Schofield.

John was born in Timperley, England on April 8, 1928 to Hilda Fenton and Samuel Schofield. His father was a textile importer, which influenced John’s later career in apparel manufacturing. John came to the United States in August 1940 at age 12 with his mother and older brother, Alan, to be safe during World War II. He became a U.S. naturalized citizen on August 2, 1954.

John’s first five years in the U.S. were spent at Berkshire School, Sheffield, MA. John graduated with the Class of 1944C.  He was beloved for his typical English humor and good nature. He was active in school affairs, particularly as a member of the varsity soccer team and the wartime flying program (Education with Wings). He had fond memories of his time at Berkshire, of the excellent and caring professors, and of the many friends he made. In particular, his mentor and Headmaster, Delano de Windt, influenced John’s life and helped make Berkshire his home. John credited his guidance and the school for changing him from a “very British lad” to “almost American.” John roomed with Thomas P. Wolf for two years at Berkshire, in Memorial Hall and Allen House.  They then went on to attend Princeton University together and remained lifelong friends. John graduated from Princeton in April 1948 with a bachelor’s degree in history. He was a member of the Elm Club. His memories of Princeton were dear to him and he shared that love with his family at reunions and with Princeton Tigers memorabilia around the house.

John was in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, serving in the Hv. Mortar Company 279th Infantry Regiment under the 45th Infantry Division on October 5, 1950. After two years of active duty, he transferred to the Army Reserves (October 7, 1952) and was honorably discharged on August 22, 1956.

In 1952, John married Ann Patricia Carlin at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. They had met on Nantucket and, realizing that they lived near each other in New York City, their 55-year romance began. After John completed Bloomingdale’s executive training program, he and Ann, who worked as a fashion reporter, moved to Bethlehem, PA. In 1957, they moved to Darien, CT, where they raised their three children. The family had wonderful times vacationing at their house on Block Island, RI.

John’s career was in the apparel manufacturing business, primarily on the operations side, for Laros, Warnaco, and Crystal Brands. During the last 10 years before his retirement in 1993, he ran the overseas operations and traveled extensively. In 1994 after his retirement, John and Ann began splitting their time between Darien and Vero Beach, FL.  Later, they sold the house in Darien and lived in New London, NH, during the summer and Vero during the winter.  After 55 years of marriage, Ann passed away in 2007. In 2009, John married Diane French Schulman, whom he also survived when she passed away in 2016.

John was very active throughout his life, enjoying tennis, paddle tennis, and golf. He instilled a love of the outdoors and travel in his children, with hikes in the White Mountains while vacationing on Squam Lake, NH, and visits to his favorite places in England. A kind and jovial man, John will be remembered fondly by all. His grandchildren especially will remember him for his love of puzzles and games (in particular, Chess and Stratego); for playing Marco Polo with family in his warm Florida pool; for his love of reading and discussing physics; and for eating cheddar cheese and crackers while planning the next day’s activities. 

John’s ashes will be buried next to his wife, Ann Carlin Schofield, in a private family ceremony at Spring Grove Cemetery in Darien, CT.  Donations in his honor can be made to Berkshire School [https://www.berkshireschool.org/support/make-a-gift]. Alternatively, checks can be sent to Berkshire School, Advancement Office, 245 North Undermountain Road, Sheffield, Mass 01257.