Windsor, VT – John Paul Lynch, 54, died of natural causes after a short illness at his home on Monday, December 22, 2025. He was born at Alice Peck Day Hospital on February 23, 1971, to John M. and Jeannette J. (Dufresne) Lynch. He grew up in Windsor under the watchful eye of his older sister Cynthia, who was overjoyed with her new little charge.

John Paul was a standout presence at Windsor High School, where he was widely known for his leadership, kindness, and positive spirit. He served as class president and was captain of the football team, roles that reflected both the respect he earned from his peers and his natural ability to bring people together. His warmth, humor, and encouragement left a lasting impression on classmates and faculty alike.

After graduation from Windsor High School, he pursued his Bachelor of Science degree in marine engineering from Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Buzzards Bay. Back home in Windsor, he began his working career, first at the wastewater treatment plant of Windsor and later for the city of Lebanon, NH. Most recently, he was a boiler plant operator at the VA Medical Center in White River Junction. He was a lifelong parishioner at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and served for several years on the Church finance committee. He was also a former member of the Knights of Columbus.

From an early age he developed a love of the water; he forged cherished memories swimming, boating, and enjoying time with family and friends at the family lake house on Lake Bomoseen and at the Cape. His joyful presence helped to spread laughter, happiness, and healing… so it is no surprise that his favorite character to play with his longtime Dungeons and Dragons group of friends was a healer, a Paladin.

John Paul's and his son Thomas' shared love of the Boston Red Sox and Patriots brought them together to watch games. They also shared a love of knowledge, exchanging and discussing the books they read. He was extremely proud that Thomas was pursuing a Biomedical Engineering degree at UVM, which he will complete this coming spring.

He is survived by his son Thomas Lynch of Burlington, VT; his sister Cynthia J. Koch and husband Carl of Windsor; a niece Valerie Koch of Boston, MA; his former wife and Thomas' mother Jennifer Stagg of Westminster, VT; a lifelong friend Maria Acks of Brownsville, VT; many cousins and close family members and other friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one nephew, Paul Koch.

A visitation will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 5 until 7 pm at Knight Funeral Home in Windsor, VT. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 am on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Windsor. A private burial will be held later in the summer at St. Francis Cemetery.

Online condolences or memories may be shared at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.