John Michael Trainor

John Michael Trainor, age 80, of New Lebanon, NY died at his home on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. 

Born on April 19, 1943, John was a son of the late Francis Edward Trainor and Helen Elizabeth (Ferriter) Trainor.  He was the beloved husband of Brenda (Turner) Trainor and father of Melissa Trainor. He also leaves his siblings, Maureen Dolan (Michael), Eloise Trainor (Kay McMahon), and Brian Trainor (Diane), his sister-in-law Joanie Trainor, and many nieces, nephews and extended members of the Trainor and Turner families. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother James Trainor.

John was educated in the local schools and graduated in 1961 from New Lebanon High School as class valedictorian. In his younger years, he was a proud Eagle Scout and loved playing soccer, basketball, baseball, performing on stage and learning life lessons from his Aunt Rose Dermody. 

John earned a full scholarship to Williams College and graduated with his Bachelor of Arts degree in history in 1965. He then spent three years with the US Peace Corps Malawi as a educator where he was involved in a tuberculosis project and the National Census. John later earned his Master of Arts degree in History and Master of Science degree in Comparative Education, both from Syracuse University where he studied from 1970-1976. In between studies, John continued to pursue his love of soccer, moving from not just playing to referring. 

The knowledge and skills John gained from Peace Corps, led him on a trajectory that would change his life and eventually to a job in the Bahamas. In Black Point, Exuma, John’s education and life experience made him a perfect candidate to be appointed as the head teacher at an all-age school. During his years of residency, he moved to Nassau, taught high school and adult education at the College of the Bahamas. John's love of the Bahamas, its culture and people resulted in him creating a life there for over ten years where he met his "Bahamian delight", Brenda Turner. The two were married and later welcomed the birth of their daughter, Melissa Trainor and thus became the Trainor trio. 

The family moved back to New Lebanon where both Mr. and Mrs. Trainor were teachers for the Berkshire Union Free School. He retired in 2008 with over 20 years of service. Since 1986, John was elected to the Town Board for four terms covering 16 years.  John's love of theater, was second only to his love of family.  It began with Caps and Bells (Williams' College theater group) and ended just over just two years ago, with his having acted and directed in multiple productions, 50 alone at the Theatre Barn in New Lebanon.  Over approximately 10 years, John taught a theater course through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Berkshire Community College to share his experiences, joy and love of the theater. Beyond his work and studies in history and ancestry, John was a fierce believer in social justice. John demonstrated his politics and civic engagement by participating in town matters, writing letters to the editor, tabling and donating to worthy progressive causes, marching in demonstrations, and living a life of loving kindness. 

John was an avid traveler. In addition to his time spent living in the Bahamas and Malawi, he visited countries throughout Europe & Africa and enjoyed exploring New Zealand and Australia. John was especially proud of the recent world tour that he and Brenda took in December 2018/January 2019. John found great joy, friendship, laughter, good food & beverage and love in visiting far flung family, former colleagues, and friends in these locations. John was excited to experience the Peace Corps through Melissa's eyes during her two terms of service in both Burkina Faso, West Africa and Guyana, South America. 

John’s love of learning never ended. Family would often tease him about his weekly ability to complete the NY Times crossword puzzle in pen - no matter what county he was visiting-  up until the last few week of his life. He also had a memory for current and historical events that was impressive and which he enjoyed sharing with others. Daughter Melissa often requested that he would participate on the game show "Jeopardy", so that he could show off his random knowledge and she could meet secret crush, Alex Trebek. 

John will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him, especially his family, friends and fellow residents in the town of New Lebanon. 

SERVICES - Green burial was private. All are invited to join with the Trainor family on Friday, April 19, 2024 at Immaculate Conception Hall from 1PM – 4PM for a Birthday Memorial in honor of John. A Time of Reflection will begin at 1:30 PM. There will also be a Celebration of Life later this spring. Please contact Melissa for more details. Memorial donations in memory of John may be made payable to Community Hospice - Columbia & Greene Counties and mailed to the Devanny-Condron Funeral Home, 40 Maplewood Ave. Pittsfield, MA 01201