John Sisson
1924-June 7, 2008
Atherton, California

John Sisson, who attended almost every meeting of the Atherton Town Council for many years, died June 7, 2008, at Sequoia Hospital. He was 84.

"He kept us all honest," says Atherton council member Kathy McKeithen, adding that Mr. Sisson was a good friend. "Short of (being) a council member, I can't think of anyone who did more for this town."

Mr. Sisson, a stockbroker who became interested in local government after he retired, also served for two years as a member of the San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury, according to his wife, Rosemary.

Mr. Sisson was born in Oceania, California, and attended schools in Redwood City, graduating from Sequoia High School. He served in the U.S. Army in the European Theater during World War II and was awarded the Purple Heart, Silver Star and Bronze Star medals. Returning from service, he completed his education at Stanford University and Harvard Business School. During his business career, he was a stock broker in San Francisco, retiring in 1990.

Mr. Sisson was the founder and the first president of the Lloyden Park Homeowners Association. He first lived in Atherton in 1941. After he and his wife, Rosemary, were married in 1952, they lived in Menlo Park for 15 years before moving back to Atherton. At the time of his death, he was once again serving as president of the Lloyden Park Homeowners Association.

He was an avid reader and enjoyed gardening, say family members.

Surviving family members are his wife, Rosemary, of Atherton; son Richard of Redwood City; daughter Annmarie Sisson of Menlo Park; brother Daniel of the state of Washington; and three grandchildren.

Tags: veteran, business