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Nicholson won’t run again for Planning Board

January 18, 2026

Editor’s note: On January 19, a sentence was added to make clear that there are two openings on the Planning Board in the upcoming election. 

Incumbent Craig Nicholson has said he will not run for reelection, so unless another candidate files, Margaret Olson will regain the seat she lost in 2025.

“Between family commitments, work responsibilities, and my desire to focus my attention on ensuring a successful relocation of the Codman Community Farm store, the year ahead is shaping up to be a very full one. Given that, I don’t feel I would be able to dedicate the time and energy that effective service on the Planning Board requires,” said Nicholson, who was elected as a newcomer in 2023.

“That said, I do hope to remain involved in planning-related efforts in Lincoln. I plan to continue my work with the Dark Skies Committee and other planning and policy initiatives in town, and I would not rule out the possibility of serving another term on the Planning Board in the future, should circumstances allow and the town sees fit,” Nicholson added.

As it now stands, the Planning Board candidates for the March 30 town election are incumbent Lynn DeLisi and Olson for the two openings on the ballot, so both will win seats if no one else decides to run. Olson was chair of the board in 2025, having served on the panel since 2013, but lost her bid for reelection last year when newcomers Susan Hall Mygatt and Rob Ahlert won seats in the wake of the Housing Choice Act controversy.

The last day to take out nomination papers is Thursday, Feb. 5, and the deadline to return the papers to the Town Clerk’s office is Monday, Feb. 9. Available seats:

  • Board of Assessors – one seat for three years
  • Board of Health – one seat for three years
  • Cemetery Commission – one seat for three years
  • Commissioners of Trust Funds – one seat for three years
  • Lincoln-Sudbury Regional District School Committee – two seats for three years
  • Moderator – one seat for three years
  • Parks and Recreation Committee – one seat for three years
  • Planning Board – two seats for three years
  • K-8 School Committee – two seats for three years
  • K-8 School Committee – one seat for one year
  • Select Board – one seat for three years
  • Trustees of Bemis Fund – one seat for three years
  • Water Commissioner – one seat for three years

To learn more, see the Town Meeting/election schedule or contact Town Clerk Valerie Fox at 781-259-2607 or email foxv@lincolntown.org.

Category: elections 1 Comment

Firefighters get PFAS-free gear

January 18, 2026

By Brian Young, Lincoln Fire Chief

Lincoln firefighter Kevin Gates models the new PFAS-free turnout gear.

The Lincoln Fire Department is proud to share that we have purchased our first set of PFAS-free turnout gear. This initiative reflects the department’s ongoing commitment to reducing occupational health risks while maintaining the highest standards of fire protection.

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) were commonly used in firefighting gear for waterproofing and durability. However, recent research has linked PFAS exposure to increased cancer risk and other long-term health concerns, prompting fire departments seek alternatives. The state has passed legislation to allow only PFAS-free gear sold after 2027.  Gear companies have been coming to market with new products in the past year, but want to make sure the gear holds up to the demands of the job.

Firefighter Kevin Gates, a newly hired member of the Lincoln Fire Department, will be the first to wear and evaluate the PFAS-free turnout gear during regular operations. This trial period will allow the department to assess the gear’s performance, durability, and comfort before moving forward with the potential purchase of PFAS-free turnout gear for the entire department.

This proactive approach ensures that Lincoln firefighters are protected not only from the immediate dangers of firefighting, but also from long-term health risks associated with their equipment.

Category: police & fire 1 Comment

News acorns

January 18, 2026

A boy checks out the community center construction equipment from his perch in the Magic Garden Children’s Center.

Community Center work progresses

The new Community Center foundation is near completion, and workers are excavating and installing underground utilities across the front sections of the site. Steel installation and framing will start in February. For more information and photos, see the Community Center Building Committee website.

Outdoor winter scavenger hunt

Can you find all four “tree-mendous” deer recently spotted on Lincoln Conservation Land? Each deer has been carefully placed in a scenic spot — use these descriptions and photo clues to guide your search. When you spot one, feel free to snap a photo of you (and/or your family) with the deer and share your discovery with the Lincoln Conservation Department here. It’s the perfect winter adventure for families and a great way to explore our town’s conservation land. Questions? Email conservation@lincolntown.org.

Webinar on estate planning for parents

LincFam is hosting its second collaboration with Parents Estate Planning Law Firm on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 8:00pm via Zoom. Learn how to ensure your kids are cared for by the short- and long-term guardians you trust, how to navigate essential documents, how to avoid probate court, and how to pass on your story, values, guidance, and advice to the people you love the most. Open to all.  Register here.

Jan. 26 deadline for Town Meeting petitions 

The deadline for submitting citizen petitions for the March 28, 2026, Annual Town Meeting is Monday, Jan. 26 at 9:00am. The Select Board  began accepting petitions on Jan. 12 when they voted to open the warrant. Citizens who may be considering sponsoring a Town Meeting petition are strongly urged to contact the Town Clerk’s Office (781-259-2607 or foxv@lincolntown.org) for guidance about the process. They will contact the people identified as lead petitioners to ensure coordination as officials prepare for the discussions and presentations that will be occurring in advance of Town Meeting. The Select Board’s office (781-259-2601 or elderp@lincolntown.org) is also available to assist. 

“Inside the Sensorium”

Neuroscience meets music, plants, and perfume in “Inside the Sensorium: What Science Can Bring to the Senses,” which explores how scientists and artists turn life Into sound and scents on Tuesday, Jan. 27 from 6:00–9:00pm at the deCordova Museum. Hungry Ninja in Newton is providing vegan rice and ramen bowls for dinner, available for pre-order or for purchase at the event (limited supply). Free, but donations and/or dinner purchase are encouraged. Register here. Sponsored by Catalyst Conversations, a Cambridge nonprofit.

Webinar on going green

Learn how to avoid costly last-minute decisions while greening your home in a webinar on Wednesday, Jan. 28 at 7:00pm. Edith Buhs will walk you through the planning process, identifying the most critical items to replace and when to do so, providing guidance on useful planning tools, and identifying resources for unique personal situations. You’ll leave the session with a scratch plan and some action items. Sponsored by the Lincoln Green Energy Committee’s CFREE initiative and Metrowest Climate Solutions. Register here. 

Domestic violence service group offers volunteer training

The Domestic Violence Services Network, Inc. (DVSN) is offering a free 40-hour training to familiarize volunteers with the many aspects of domestic violence and give them the skills necessary to provide confidential and appropriate services to DVSN’s clients. Once trained, DVSN’s volunteer advocates provide direct service over the phone, at Concord District Court, and at Emerson Hospital to people affected by domestic violence. Advocates provide emotional support, risk assessment and safety planning for victims of domestic violence in 13 communities.

The training will be held at the Lexington Police Department from March 2–20 on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:00–7:15pm and Fridays from 9:15am–3:30pm. For those who decide to activate as volunteer advocates, there is an additional 10–12 hours of supervised field training. For more information about the training or to request an application, call 978-318-3421 or e-mail training@dvsn.org. Applications are due by Wednesday, Feb. 18.

Category: acorns Leave a Comment

Time to send in your creative work for publication

January 16, 2026

The deadline for submitting stories, poetry, artwork, photos, and other creative work for the next issue of the Lincoln Review is Friday, Feb. 13. Anyone who has a Lincoln connection (current or former residents, extended family, employees, etc.) may submit — for details, click here. Send your stuff to one of the email addresses below to share your work and have it preserved online in the Lincoln Review! Questions? Call 617-710-5542.

Lincoln Squirrel subscribers can see previous issues here. If you’re not yet a subscriber and would like to receive a one-time PDF of the most recent issue, please email lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com.

Barb Rhines, editor (lincolnmareview@gmail.com)
Alice Waugh, publisher (lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com)

Category: arts Leave a Comment

Lincoln Winter Carnival kicks off Jan. 29

January 14, 2026

Here is the schedule for the 2026 Lincoln Winter Carnival organized by the Parks and Recreation Department. All events are free unless otherwise specified.

Thursday, Jan. 29

Film: “Georgia O’Keefe: The Brightness of Light”
5:30–8:00pm, Donaldson Auditorium
A new, comprehensive documentary of modernist Georgia O’Keefe’s art and life, featuring a Q&A with director Paul Wagner and co-producer Ellen Wagner. Discussion and reception to follow. Sponsored by Friends of Modern Architecture/Lincoln and the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust/Rural Land Foundation.

Friday, Jan. 30

Lincoln PTO Bingo Night
5:30–7:30pm, Lincoln School Dining Commons
The Lincoln PTO’s annual Bingo Night kicks off Winter Carnival festivities with raffles and prizes for winning bingo boards. Pizza, snacks, and drinks will be sold. Please look for pizza pre-order form and bring a reusable water bottle.

Lincoln Summer Camp: Crafts
5:30–6:30pm, Lincoln School Dining Commons
Interested in sending your child to Lincoln Summer Camp this year? Join Parks & Rec to find out all the information you need to know about camp while taking part in some fun winter crafts.

Saturday, Jan. 31

Winter Fun for Kids
9:30–11:30am, Magic Garden Children’s Center
Each classroom will be turned into a fun zone for a specific age group. Ice-skate in your socks, play games, enjoy arts and crafts, and have fun with friends old and new. Perfect for ages 1–5.

Cozy Story Time in the Greenhouse
10:00–11:00am, Codman Community Farms
We’ll read some playful wintry stories featuring some of our favorite barnyard animals. We’ll have warm hot chocolate and marshmallows to enjoy while you listen. Best for ages 9 and younger but all are welcome.

Owls and Cocoa at Drumlin Farm
10:00–2:35pm, Drumlin Farm
Stop by for a special “Meet an Owl” program while you warm up with some hot cocoa. Drop in any time from 10:00–11:30am or 1:00–2:30pm and stay as long as you like. Barns and trails will be open from 9:00am–4:00pm. Please show ID with Lincoln address for free admission.

SVdP Food Pantry Open House
1:00–2:00pm, SVdP food pantry (142 Lincoln Road)
Please stop by our open house at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Lincoln and Weston food pantry for a sweet treat and tour. Learn about the vital services we provide to our community and see how every donation makes a difference. Talk with volunteers and discover how you can get involved in supporting your neighbors in need. Bring nonperishable food items and help us shelve them as we work to make sure no one goes hungry this winter.

Winter Wildlife Walk
1:00–2:30pm, Mount Misery Main parking lot trailhead
Join a family-friendly guided one-mile walk around the trails of Mt. Misery as we look for tracks and other signs of life to understand how our local wildlife survives New England winters. We will look for the presence of a variety of animals that may include beaver, deer, squirrels, owls, otters and more. Open to all ages. Please leave pets at home as our focus is on wildlife. Sponsored by Lincoln Conservation Dept.

LincFam Energy Blaster
2:00–4:00pm, Reed Gym
Jump in a bounce house, skate in your socks, and toss soft “snowballs” with friends. The gym will be filled with fun ways to let out energy for our youngest community members. A mini bounce house will be available for the littlest bouncers. Enjoy a craft project and some snacks on the sidelines! Free for LincFam members or $10/child (max $30 per family) for non-members. NOTE: This event is for children in grade 2 and younger. Adult supervision expected.

A Light in the Night
5:00–6:00pm, Birches School
Bundle up and join us around a cozy campfire to embellish paper bag luminaries, adding light and hope to the winter darkness. We’re inspired by Birches’ annual school-wide Lantern Festival. Winter Carnival goers are invited to add their luminaries to an installation of student lanterns or take them home. Sip a warm beverage and listen to seasonal story.

Coffee House
7:00–10:00pm, Bemis Hall (SOLD OUT)
Lincoln Parks and Recreation Dept. Parks and Recreation’s annual night to showcase local musicians! We have a diverse roster of performers ready to play for you, and there’s a good chance you know some of them! Coffee/tea and desserts included. Beer and wine will be available to purchase (no outside alcohol allowed).

Sunday, Feb. 1

Outdoor Play
10:00–11:30am, deCordova Sculpture Park
Join us for play at Lincoln Nursery School. All ages welcome.

Candle-making for Kids of All Ages
11:30–1:30pm, First Parish in Lincoln (stone church)
Celebrate the halfway point between winter solstice and spring equinox with the art of candle making. Kids will make and decorate their own candle to take home. Two levels: Simple (candle rolling) for ages 3-7 and advanced (which involves dipping) for ages 8+.

Family Fun in 1776
12:30–4:30pm, Bemis Hall
What was life like for Lincoln families in 1776? Join us for a family-friendly afternoon that will transport us back to the Lincoln of 1776 with books, storytelling, games, crafts, musket demonstrations, music, and treats. This will be followed by period dancing, including demonstrations and instruction, led by the Colonial Dancers of the sponsoring Lincoln Minute Men.

Warm Up with the Friends
1:00–3:00pm, Lincoln Public Library
Enjoy hot drinks and snacks from the Friends of the Lincoln Library before, during, and after the library’s storytime event.

Winter Wonderland Super Storytime
1:30–2:30pm, Lincoln Public Library
Join librarians Denise and Debbie for a super-sized winter wonderland story time! Families with young children are invited to join us for stories, songs, and an activity celebrating the winter season! Best for children five and under, but all welcome.

“Between Two Worlds” Film and Discussion
3:15–4:45 pm, Donaldson Auditorium
“Between Two Worlds” is a 19-minute Molly Bidell film funded by Mass Humanities about second-generation Sudanese youth whose parents came to America as “lost boys” and girls during the South Sudanese civil war and who are still learning what home means. The film will be shown in the same auditorium that hosted the initial gathering of refugees and Lincoln residents in 2000. For adults and children 10+. Sponsored by South Sudanese Enrichment for Families.

Category: Uncategorized Leave a Comment

Former LEAP staffer dies by suicide amid child porn investigation

January 13, 2026

Former LEAP staff member John Buffington died by suicide on Thursday, Jan. 8 as he was being served a search warrant for possession of child pornography at his home in Princeton, Mass.

Buffington, 67, was an after-school instructor for the Princeton Parks and Recreation Department, where he taught woodworking, primitive skills, and kite-making, the Massachusetts State Police said in a January 9 press release. Following tips that came in from an electronic service provider to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the state police Cyber Crime Unit and other law enforcement officers secured a search warrant through Worcester District Court to search Buffington’s residence for evidence of child sexual abuse material. As officers announced themselves at the door, he fled into a garage, where he apparently shot himself.

Upon entering Buffington’s home, law enforcement officers found evidence of child sexual abuse material. “Officers additionally located sexually explicit material that involved pictures of at least one child who was known to the suspect,” the state police release said. While the investigation is in its preliminary stages, “there is no apparent evidence that any child he encountered has been harmed.”

In a search of Buffington’s basement, law enforcement found “mannequin-like figures hanging by chains from his basement ceiling… with pictures of children’s faces… over the faces of those figures,” according to WCVB-TV report. Princeton police said Buffington moved to town in 2009, had no criminal record, and did have a license to carry a firearm, WCVB said.

Buffington, known at LEAP as Johnny, worked for LEAP (the Lincoln Extended-day After-school Program) from September 1988 until March 2014, according to a press release from town officials.

County and state authorities are “working diligently to identify any parties affected by Mr. Buffington in his role as a community member of trust so that they are able to receive appropriate support and services,” said the release, which was posted on LincolnTalk. Lincoln police will continue to coordinate with other state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies who are investigating the scope of Buffington’s activities and “will offer whatever support the LEAP organization and community requires.”

Questions or concerns should be directed to the Lincoln Police Department at 781-259-8111, and parents with concerns about their children’s interactions with Buffington can also contact the Middlesex Children’s Advocacy Center at 781-897-8400.

Although it oversees after-school care for some Lincoln School children, LEAP is a private nonprofit organization. It was housed in one of the Hartwell pods until the pods were torn down last summer to make way for the new community center.

The Lincoln press release was signed by Superintendent of Schools Parry Graham, Town Administrator Timothy Higgins, Acting Police Chief Jon Wentworth, and Kathryn Hawkins, who has been LEAP’s director since 2013 or 2014, around the time the program was in danger of being replaced. LEAP made various programmatic improvements in 2014 before its contract with the town was renewed.

Reached by the Lincoln Squirrel on Jan. 12, Hawkins declined comment, saying, “I have been told that the statement that was sent out on Saturday should suffice.”

Category: police & fire Leave a Comment

Carolyn Snelling, 1942–2026

January 13, 2026

Carolyn Snelling

Carolyn Ruth Snelling, born March 18, 1942, passed away on January 4, 2026, surrounded by love with her two children by her side.

Carolyn was born and raised in Weston and spent her life in Lincoln, where she built a home centered on love, family, and kindness. She was a devoted mother and grandmother, and her family was always her highest priority. Known for her kind heart and gentle spirit, Carolyn gave endlessly of herself to those she loved.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Helen and Donald Mason; her brothers, Donald Mason and his wife Rita Mason, and Arthur Mason and his wife Shirley Mason Reynolds; and her sister, Priscilla Ashworth Glass and her husband Gene Glass.

Carolyn is survived by her daughter, Donna Linstrom (Peter Linstrom); her son, David Snelling (Dannielle Snelling); her grandchildren, Erica Aucoin (Collin Aucoin), Rianna Romano (Ben Romano), Samantha Linstrom, Zachary Snelling (Lauren Snelling), and Logan Snelling; and her great-grandchildren, Madison and Elena Aucoin, and Peter and Oliver Romano. She also leaves behind her sister-in-law, Mary Anne Moszka of Concord along with many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Carolyn will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to her family and the love she shared so freely.

A private graveside service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Carolyn’s memory to hospice house in Lincoln via Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St. #B-102, Danvers MA 01923.

Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Concord, which provided this obituary. To share a remembrance or to offer a condolence, click here.

Category: obits Leave a Comment

News acorns

January 13, 2026

Coming up at the Council on Aging & Human Services

AI For Seniors: The Benefits & Pitfalls
Friday, Jan. 16 at 12:30pm, Bemis Hall
Henry Quinlan will bring an engaging presentation into the world of artificial intelligence (AI). He will cover what AI is, some of the benefits, and potential dangers. Attendees will learn about the most popular AI tools and their accuracy and reliability, and see a practical demo.

Film screening: “Selma” (2014)
Friday, Jan. 23 at 12:30pm, Bemis Hall
A chronicle of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s campaign to secure equal voting rights via an epic march from Selma to Montgomery, Ala., in 1965. Directed by Ava DuVernay.

Activities at Codman Community Farms

Click on an event title for more information and registration. 

Sunday Supper
Sunday, Jan. 25

Soup Making 101
Wednesday, Jan. 28

Cozy Story Time in the Greenhouse with Sarah Bishop
Saturday, Jan. 31

Pizza in the Pavilion
Thursday, Feb. 5

Summer Barn Buddies
Twelve one-week sessions from 9:00am–1:00pm starting on June 15. Click here for more information and registration. 

Quilt exhibit closing reception

Winners of the silent auction for the quilts that have bene on display in the Lincoln Public Library in January will be announced at the exhibit’s closing reception on Friday, Jan. 30 from 3:00–5:00pm. Proceeds will go to the successful bidder’s charity of choice. Questions? Call Tricia Deck at 781-223-8983.

CFREE tip: Benefits of a shift to plant-based foods (serving #1 of 12)

Editor’s note: This is “Serving 1” in a series of 12 items on the benefits of a shift to plant-based foods, which in turn comprise CFREE tip #9. To view the full series, click here.

Reducing the carbon footprint of humans is critical to preserving the viability of Earth. One of the few things affecting the climate that we as individuals can control, and one of the most important, is what we eat. A plant-based diet is healthier for us — the medical community is united on that. And climate scientists say with one voice that it is also healthier for the planet. In the graph below, notice the trifling impact of plant-based proteins (in green) on our world.

Orange represents animal products and green represents plant foods. Figures are the mean of greenhouse gas emission ranges across thousands of farms studied. Source: Canary Media/Science.

CFREE (Carbon Free Residential — Everything Electric) is a subcommittee of the Lincoln Green Energy Committee that provides guidance on how households can reduce use of fossil fuels and decrease greenhouse gas emissions to help Massachusetts meet statewide emissions limits set for 2030, 2040, and 2050. It also provides information about state and federal incentives that help reduce the cost of such changes. For guidance on such projects at your home, email lincolngreencoach@gmail.com.

Category: acorns Leave a Comment

Olson hopes to win back her seat on the Planning Board

January 12, 2026

Editor’s note: Olson served on the Planning Board from 2013–2025 but lost her bid for reelection last year when newcomers Susan Hall Mygatt and Rob Ahlert won seats (incumbent Ephraim Flint did not run again).

There are two Planning Board seats open in March 2026: those of incumbents Lynn DeLisi and Craig Nicholson. DeLisi has already announced she will run for reelection. As of Jan. 12, Nicholson had not pulled papers to run for reelection, according to the Town Clerk’s office, and did not immediately reply to an email asking if he planned to run again.

For more information, see the 2026 Annual Town Meeting and election calendar.


By Margaret Olson

I’m running for Planning Board and asking for your support. The Planning Board is a critical force in shaping the town we all love, and I am hoping you will grant me the privilege of applying my years of planning board experience and knowledge of land use policy to keeping Lincoln a fantastic place to live.

Increasing political pressure to address the lack of housing requires a planning board with the knowledge and experience to respond effectively. I have a long history of volunteering for planning: the Zoning Board of Appeals followed by ten years on the Lincoln Planning Board.

My principles:

  • Focus on planning: Stay on top of the broader regulatory environment so we are prepared for any legal and climate changes.
  • Incrementalism: Where possible, make changes incrementally so the town gains experience with new regulatory approaches.
  • Fairness: Regulatory reviews (site plan review) should be consistent, fair, and predictable.
  • Transparency: Be clear to applicants and neighbors about what the board can and cannot do. And make it easier to find the agendas!

Some of my past accomplishments on the Planning Board:

  • Worked with town staff to streamline the site plan review process. This has resulted in benefits for both residents and the planning board, saving residents time and the town money.
  • Led a series of incremental changes to our accessory apartment bylaw, increasing opportunities for multi-generational housing. This series of incremental changes left us in an excellent position when the state mandated that all residential districts permit accessory dwelling units (accessory apartments).
  • Engaged cooperatively with boards and stakeholders to pass the Housing Choice Act that allows the town to qualify for state grants — for example, Lincoln received $430,000 for water main replacement. We have received over $2,400,000 in grants in the last five years.
  • Improved safety for all forms of transportation by serving on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, the Roadside and Traffic Committee, and as chair of the Transportation Coalition.
  • Instituted Lincoln’s first Dark Sky lighting regulations.

The election is on Monday, March 30. I’d be very grateful for your vote. If you have any questions or concerns please get in touch at margaret@margaretolson.com. Thank you.

Margaret Olson
17 Boyce Farm Road


“My Turn” is a forum for readers to offer their letters to the editor or views on any subject of interest to other Lincolnites. Submissions must be signed with the writer’s name and street address and sent via email to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. Items will be edited for punctuation, spelling, style, etc., and will be published at the discretion of the editor. Submissions containing personal attacks, errors of fact, or other inappropriate material will not be published.

Category: elections Leave a Comment

John F. Knutson, 1940–2025

January 12, 2026

John F. Knutson

John Frederick Knutson died peacefully in Lincoln on December 26, 2025, at the age of 85. He was known for his kind and generous nature, his dynamic problem-solving abilities, and his thoughtful leadership skills in business and volunteer organizations. John was a patient and loving husband to Judy, a role model as a father and grandfather, a wise and caring brother, a loyal friend, and a humble contributor to his community.

John was born on August 31, 1940, in Framingham to Mary Barrett Knutson and Frederick William Knowlton Knutson. John was the middle sibling between two sisters: Katherine Knutson Meier and Carole Knutson Romp. The Knutson family grew up in a home full of music in Millbrook, N.Y., and John went to Millbrook School, where his father taught Latin and coached football. John was an outstanding student, excelling in math. He graduated from Yale University (’62), Stanford University (’64), and Harvard Business School (’68).

From 1964–66, John was a volunteer in the Peace Corps. After rigorous training, including an intensive Spanish conversation course, John was appointed professor of electrical engineering and tasked to set up the first computer at the University of La Paz in Bolivia. His time in the Peace Corps also included traveling with a doctor through the Bolivian countryside, testing communities for tuberculosis. Volunteering for the Peace Corps in Bolivia became a pivotal life experience for John.

In 1968, as John was finishing up at Harvard Business School, he met Judy Spicer. He moved to Detroit to begin his job with Chrysler Corp., asking Judy to join him. John and Judy were married on a snowy day in December 1968. Learning Spanish while in the Peace Corps and studying electrical engineering and business had directed him toward what would become a 33-year career at Chrysler Corporation. After John and Judy moved to Mexico City in 1969, their children, Christina and Carl, were born in the early 1970s.

John and Judy lived a total of 25 years in the Detroit area and 11 years in Mexico City. During that time, John’s position as deputy managing director of Chrysler de Mexico was especially rewarding for him. After John and the family returned for the second time to Detroit in 1983, he held several positions at Chrysler Corp. He particularly enjoyed his work as director of finance and international strategic plans, starting in 1985. At the time of the DaimlerChrysler merger in 1998, he was appointed vice president of product development finance.

After John’s retirement in 2001, he and Judy returned to Boston and had fun living in the city for 15 years. When John and Judy weren’t spending time with family or friends, John contributed to the well-being of nonprofits. He worked as a consultant for the Executive Service Corps and raised funds for the Latin American Scholarship Program of American Universities. As a board member of Wheelock College for 10 years, he participated in the successful merger of the school with Boston University.

John’s passion in life was singing. He sang with a beautiful tenor voice at Millbrook School, in the Yale Glee Club, the Duke’s Men of Yale and in the choirs of the Episcopal church in Mexico, Christ Church Cranbrook in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., and Trinity Church in Boston as well as the Saengerfest Men’s Chorus. His interest in singing led both John and Judy to travel and sing with the Yale Alumni Chorus in fifteen different countries.

John enjoyed playing tennis and was the president of the Weekapaug Tennis Club in Rhode Island. Long-distance biking kept him active and happy, particularly in his later years.

Since 2020, John and Judy have lived at The Commons in Lincoln. Prior to that point, John was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia with Parkinsonism. Judy has devoted her time caring for him, keeping him comfortable and active with physical therapy sessions, and thoroughly researching his disease. John’s family is very thankful for the wonderful care he received for the last two years in the Harbor Mind and Memory Care on the campus at The Commons.

John is survived by his wife of 57 years, Judith Spicer Knutson; his children (and spouses), Christina Knutson Honos (Edward Honos); Carl Frederick Knutson (Jennifer Couzens); and six grandchildren: Grace, Cate, and Luke Honos; Halle, Maren, and Finley Knutson. John is also survived by his sister, Carole (Dale Liebenthal), and niece and nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his sister, Katherine, and his parents Mary and Fred Knutson.

The family will host private memorial services to celebrate John’s life during the year with specific dates to follow. In lieu of flowers, the Knutson family would be truly grateful for donations made to The Massachusetts General Hospital Lewy Body Dementia Research Fund in tribute to John Knutson. Donations may be made online,  or checks can be mailed to: Massachusetts General Hospital Development Office, 125 Nashua St., Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114.

Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord, which provided this obituary. Click here to share a memory or send condolences.

Category: obits 1 Comment

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