New London, NH – It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of John Chapman Peiffer. He passed away on October 24th 2026 in New London, NH at 71 years young.
John was born on April 26th, 1955 in Fort Atkinson, WI to Clare H. and Miriam R. (Chapman) Peiffer. Spending his early years between Wisconsin and West Virginia, John developed a love for the outdoors and a natural talent for athletics. As a young child, he loved following his grandfather, Herbert Chapman, around the family farm, asking questions, listening to stories, and learning how to care for the animals. He found joy in being outdoors, challenging himself physically, and discovering new things. These interests shaped many of his pursuits throughout his life, including his dedication to scouting, which drove him to achieve his childhood goal of becoming an Eagle Scout.
As a young adult, John and his parents moved to Boston, Massachusetts, where he met the love of his life, Victoria Owen. After 5 years of dating, John and Vicki were married in New London, NH during the winter of 1983. Those who knew him well would tell you that his relationship with Vicki was one of his greatest accomplishments and a source of immense joy in his life, the other being his children. Earlier this year, John and Vicki celebrated 48 wonderful years together and 43 years of marriage, a beautiful testament to their enduring love and commitment to one another.
After the birth of their first son, Mike, John, and Vicki decided to move to the Upper Valley and put down roots in Norwich, Vermont. It was there that John, with the help of his father, built the home where his children would grow up, and where they welcomed their second son, Bob, into the world.
Norwich became the backdrop for countless cherished family memories, from neighborhood cookouts and big bonfires to long walks in the woods, Christmas Eve caroling, and perhaps the most nostalgic tradition of all, maple sugaring each spring. John had a special gift for bringing people together and creating a strong sense of community. His home was a place where friendships flourished, traditions were made, and everyone was welcomed with a warm smile, an off-color joke, and a stiff cocktail.
John will be remembered as a devoted and caring father who showed his love in his own unique way. Family (both blood and chosen) meant everything to him, and he treasured the time he spent with those closest to his heart. As Mike and Bob grew up, he was always eager to support their athletic pursuits and personal interests. He rarely missed a game or school play and often volunteered to chaperone field trips, finding every opportunity to spend more time with his boys and be part of their lives. Whenever youth sports teams needed a coach, John was among the first to volunteer. He was committed to ensuring that every child had the support, encouragement, and equipment they needed to enjoy a positive youth sports experience. Through coaching and supporting his sons’ activities, he also formed lasting friendships with many of Mike and Bob’s closest friends and their parents; relationships that he continued to cherish throughout his life.
John’s family describes him as a brilliant mind with exceptional intellect. His ability to absorb complex information and turn it into practical solutions served him well throughout his life, particularly in his professional career. He often joked that he had “three careers,” having worked in a variety of roles in computer operations and warehousing systems before beginning his final career at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) 20 years ago. John took great pride in his work at DHMC, especially helping build and manage the Center for Surgical Innovation, a highly advanced surgical suite. He also valued the relationships he formed with colleagues, maintaining those connections until his passing.
John was always striving to grow as a husband, father, and person. He made a conscious effort to remain open- minded, often reminding himself to “learn something new today.” Rather than becoming set in his ways, he continued to challenge himself to become a better version of himself. It was an ongoing journey, but one in which he made meaningful strides, especially toward the end of his life.
In his later years, John loved helping both of his sons with home projects as they built lives for their growing families. The “John of all trades,” he was always ready to lend a hand, drawing on his extensive knowledge of construction and passing it along to help Mike and Bob turn their houses into homes where their families could create lasting memories. He and Vicki also began traveling more to visit their “chosen family” all over the country. He cherished the opportunity to share in life’s milestones and celebrations, including weddings, graduations, and career achievements.
John will be lovingly remembered as an acquired taste. He knew he wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but he was content knowing he was deeply loved by those closest to him. His family and close friends will miss his warm smile, firm handshake, quick wit, and dry sense of humor. He always made time for the people he cared about, taking a genuine interest in their lives, celebrating their successes, and offering support whenever they needed it.
John is survived by his wife, Vicki; his sons and their partners Mike (Becca) and Bob (Julie), and his two beloved grand-pups, Betty and Hobbes. Unfortunately, he will miss the birth of his first granddaughter, who is making her expected arrival in late December. He was predeceased by his parents and several cherished family members.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests people spend time reaching out to someone they love and have not connected with recently or to spend time making themselves or the world around them a better place. Calling hours will be Friday the 30th of October between 4-6PM at the Chadwick Funeral Home, 235 Main Street, New London, NH 03257.
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