NORTHAMPTON – Rev. John A. Dusenberry, 93, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, October 19, 2022. Born on April 21, 1929, in Cleveland, Ohio, he was the son of Donald and Lillian (Weston) Dusenberry. John grew up near Salem, Ohio within a family of strong Christian faith and surrounded by music with both his parents being musicians. There he developed his love of music and desire to devote his life to ministry. He received a Bachelors in Philosophy from Ohio State University in 1951 and enrolled in the ministry program at the Boston University School of Theology where he graduated in 1954. While at B.U., John met his wife of 63 years, Barbara M. MacKinnon of Maine. Many of John’s 37 years of ministry were spent serving Methodist congregations throughout Massachusetts including Waltham, Lynn, North Adams (12 yrs.), Greenfield (8 yrs.), and Westfield where he retired in 1991. His strong faith, comforting smile, and deep devotion towards his church family and helping others made him admired by many. He portrayed Christ’s love and support throughout his ministry and acted as Chairperson of several agencies including the North Berkshire United Way and Bereavement Support of Franklin County. He touched many lives with the countless number of weddings, baptisms, and funerals he performed, not to mention his weekly sermons and Greenfield radio program. Even after retirement, John continued to serve as Chaplain at Rockridge Retirement Community in Northampton where he resided for the last 18 years until his death. His companionship with many of the residents and staff will be greatly missed. In addition to the ministry and his love of music, John also enjoyed skiing, gardening, reading, and especially being with people. He enjoyed traveling and was blessed with the opportunity to visit Israel, Germany, Scotland, as well as several areas throughout the U.S. as part of the Elderhostel Education program.
Survivors include his two sons: John E. (Cheryl) of Virginia and Tim (Sabine) of Turners Falls; two daughters: Johanna Foucher of Georgia and Kristine (David) Shutta of Gill; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
John was predeceased by his wife Barbara in 2016, his grandson Ian Dusenberry, and two brothers, Bob and Larry Dusenberry.
A memorial service for John will be held at the First United Methodist Church, Greenfield, MA on Saturday, November 5th at 11:00 am. A reception at the church will follow. Weather permitting, a committal service will take place at the Riverside Cemetery in North Yarmouth, Maine on Monday, November 7th at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rockridge Retirement Community, 37 Coles Meadow Road, Northampton, MA 01060, or the First United Methodist Church, 25 Church Street, Greenfield, MA 01301. Arrangements are under the direction of Walker Funeral Home, 14 High Street, Greenfield.
