August 2024

John Runo Anderson, 86, a lifelong resident of Portland, passed away peacefully on August 16th. Born on March 1, 1938 to John V. and Isabelle (Carlson) Anderson, he was cherished by his daughters and granddaughters and was a loyal, loving, nephew, cousin, and friend to many.

Affectionately known as Rooney, he began his life as a self-professed “everyday working man” at age 9, raising chickens on the family farm. When he graduated Portland High School in 1956 as a class officer and NHS member, his flock had grown to over 1100 hens and he had been named Northeastern States Best Poultry Boy (1954) and FFA Connecticut State Star Farmer (1955). At age 17, he gave a presentation to the Northern Poultry Producers Council at Purdue University. 

When their father began his decade of service as Portland’s First Selectman, John and his brother Alan took over the local family business, Anderson Farm Supply. Prior to his retirement, he developed a thriving wholesale division for the company, forming personal relationships with pine bark, rock salt, bird seed and other companies across the US and delivering their products to farm and gardening retailers statewide. 

Rooney was an avid train enthusiast, but was best known for his love of truck driving. While his family was his pride and joy, the love of his life was his custom-ordered Mack Superliner. He enjoyed sharing stories of the many trips he took with friends and family along for the ride. As a member of the Portland Volunteer Fire Department, he was proud to haul the pumper truck they donated to Sidney, Maine. He twice achieved his dream of driving loads to California and back. Rooney often said of truck driving, “I never had a day that I didn’t want to go to work”. 

John’s legacy and pride in his Swedish heritage lives on in his daughters Lori Standish and Lynn Mancini, their partners Ed DeMuzzio and Cole Greenwood, former son-in-law Jim Standish, granddaughters Alexa Standish, Devyn Hofferth and husband Robbie, Aubrey Standish, and Mallorie Mancini, and great-granddaughter Avianna. He will be deeply missed by his extended family, dear friends, and the Portland community. 

All those whose lives he touched are encouraged to share memories and celebrate Rooney’s life at Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St., Portland on September 3rd, from 5pm to 7pm. Funeral services will take place at Zion Lutheran Church in Portland on September 4th, at 10am, followed by burial at the Swedish Cemetery. Friends wishing to participate in a truck procession in Rooney’s honor may contact Jack Sterry at Fox-Becker Granite and Memorial Company of Middletown. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, 183 Williams St., Portland, CT 06480.