John W. Sabotka

On Saturday, March 1, 2025, John W. Sabotka (84) - affectionately known as 'Tookie' by his grandchildren and close loved ones – passed away peacefully, albeit suddenly, surrounded by his loving family. He was born September 13, 1940 in Proctor, VT, the eldest son of John and Helen (Rostkowski) Sabotka of Rutland, VT. He attended West Rutland High School and graduated in 1958. John was a highly respected executive contractor, known for his leadership and expertise on projects spanning from Vermont to Cooperstown and Utica, NY. His dedication and skill left an impact on every community he worked in, and included a “break from retirement” to work on projects at Utica College.

John joins his wife, M. Joan (Nans) Sabotka who passed December 2017. Together they watch over all their girls. John found immense joy in hiking the great outdoors (“Life is Good” was one of his favorite mottos), grilling year-round for family and friends, and taking pride in his yard, especially the stone wall he meticulously built at his home in Pawlet, VT. John was honored to be the Pawlet Representative to the Rutland Regional Planning Commission, and always seemed to know “a guy” or a place to go off the beaten path. He was a friend to all.

John is survived by his daughters, Deborah Sabotka, Susan Deis, and Lisa Trask, as well as granddaughters Sarah Sabotka, Emma Colenzo, and Natasha Deis, all whom he raised to be strong women with integrity. He instilled values of family, hard-work, logic, love, and pride in all things. His sons-in-law, Burton Deis and Dennis Trask were loved like children of his own and cherished for their strength and devotion to his daughters, Susan and Lisa (respectively).
May his first great-grandchild, Isaac Hunter Deis (son of Natasha), never forget the memories they created in his first years, especially at “Tookie’s Shangri-la” (as he called his Pawlet dream home), toodling around on the John Deere side-by-side he enjoyed so much. May his second great-grandchild, Burton “Birdie” Colenzo (son of Anthony and Emma Colenzo) never forget how lucky he was to have spent time in his first year and a half with Tookie, who loved him so very much it brought tears to his eyes and a huge smile to his face.

John shared many adventures with his youngest sibling and only sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Sabotka, whom he loved so much, from the beaches of Maine to the mountains of Vermont. They even drove a cross- country trip together in 2018 with John’s sidekick pug, Winston.

John so loved his sister-in-law, Janice Sabotka of Rutland, VT (widow of brother, Thomas S. Sabotka, who passed January 2024) and cherished his niece, Jill Sabotka; nephew TJ and wife Traci Sabotka, and their children. He especially enjoyed attending TJ’s sports games and later those of his great nieces and nephews, to support them and show great pride in being part of their lives.

Last but certainly not least, Judith (Judi) Lethbridge, with whom John shared an extraordinary bond built on love, laughter, and unwavering support from the moment they met in 2018. His family will be forever grateful for Judi’s presence in his life, as she brought him unparalleled joy, companionship, and a sense of peace in his final years. They shared their dream home in Pawlet, VT, with their loyal dogs Winston and Theo.

John will be welcomed at the pearly gates by many dear family, friends, and beloved pets who have crossed the bridge ahead of him. It is difficult to put into words the tremendous loss felt by John’s loved ones at this time and the hole he left in our hearts. In his final moments, we promised him we would carry on and never forget what he always told us: “Everything will be okay.”

Donations can be made in his memory to West Rutland High School Alumni Association, c/o Patti Johnson, P.O. Box 27, West Rutland, VT 05777; or Merck Forest & Farmland Center in Rupert, VT at www.merckforest.org or P.O. Box 86, Rupert, VT 05768 – please mention John’s name at the time of donation. A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, March 21st, 2025, at 11 A.M. visiting hours will be held from 10 A.M. until the time of the service at Clifford’s Funeral Home, 2 Washington St, Rutland, VT 05701.