Whether he was out working on our fields or cheering in the stands, John Dalrymple gave it his all.
“Even though we have somebody replacing him, John can never be replaced,” Chuck Zappala, Dalrymple’s supervisor said. “It’s cliche, but he really can’t.”
John Dalrymple started his career at LHS in July of 1985, 30 years ago. He came to Londonderry, having never been to the town, not knowing what it would entail.
Dalrymple started as a one-man crew for grounds maintenance, maintaining the six school fields and helping care for LAFA fields as well. As the number of fields in the district grew to accommodate for new sports teams, so did his crew.
Dalrymple more recently worked with three others whom “have been great” to work with.
What started as a one man crew back in 1985 is now four: Sean Bryson, Jon Robinson, John Dalrymple, and Keith Foley.
“I’ll miss a lot of people,” Dalrymple said. “But I’ll be having a good time.”
Dalrymple is an outdoorsy man, so having a job where he works outside made it so that coming to work at the wee hours of the morning to clear snow or maintain the grounds wasn’t so bad to him.
“Everyday I come here and I enjoy it,” Dalrymple said.
Although he enjoys his job, Dalrymple is looking forward to retiring and hopes to spend his time outdoors, skiing, hiking, and golfing.
“I always like to be outdoors,” Dalrymple said.
Zappala, Dalrymple’s supervisor, has worked on the grounds with him since 1987.
“We’re always on the same page and supporting each other,” Zappala said. “Thirty years and we’ve never had an argument.”
Among Dalrymple’s commemorable traits, Zappala particularly praised his outstanding memory and perfect attendance.
“He has an unbelievable memory,” Zappala said. “He always remembers past procedures and how to set everything up.”
Zappala talked about how Dalrymple’s attendance over the past thirty years “has been incredible.” Out of the thirty years of working here, all but about three or four years, he had perfect attendance.
“It’s going to be tough to miss out on all his hands-on work, skill and experience,” Zappala said. “I’m going to miss him, but he definitely deserves it, and I’m happy he’s in good health to enjoy it.”
Friend and woods teacher, Mrs. Rocheleau said that Dalrymple’s kind heart and selflessness is already missed.
“Anything you wanted, he would do for you,” Rocheleau said.
Dalrymple was called onto the field at a home football game to receive a banner signed by LHS athletes thanking him for his hard work.
Not only did Dalrymple make sure athletes had the best possible facilities, but he also made sure to give them his support on and off the job.
“It was his passion to watch the kids and make sure they had the best,” Rocheleau said. “He would come to games even if he wasn’t working.”
Athletic Leadership Council adviser, Mrs. Rich, presented Dalrymple with a banner signed by athletes, thanking him for his service.
“J.D. is one of those hidden hero type of people,” Rich said. “He gives more of his time to athletes than anyone could possibly realize and I think around the state we are known to have amazing facilities, our kids are so lucky, and I think a large part of that is due to the fact that he is so good at his job.”
