John Thomas Brotherton

John Thomas Brotherton, 73, of Summerville, SC died on Sunday, October 12.

John was recently diagnosed with a rare neurological condition that made walking and speaking increasingly difficult. True to his nature, John faced the diagnosis with his signature “go with the flow” attitude. He was cared for by a dedicated team at the VA hospital, whose persistence and compassion meant the world to him and his family. 

John was born on September 3, 1952, in Middletown, NY. He attended Mt. Carmel Catholic School and graduated from John S. Burke High School in Goshen. After high school, he joined the U.S. Navy and served six years of active duty as a submariner aboard the USS Hawkbill (SSN-666). He continued his service in the Navy Reserves, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer after 20 years. His time in the Navy was one of his proudest achievements and a defining part of his identity. John also attended Orange County Community College.

John began his civilian career at KW Control in Slate Hill, NY (later Piller, Inc.), where he worked for 40 years before retiring in 2020. He built lifelong friendships with his coworkers, whom he considered family. He took great pride in his work and in the loyalty he showed to the company.

In 1996, John married Nancy, becoming a devoted husband and stepfather overnight. He embraced the chaos of joining a family with two teenagers, Stephanie and Patrick, with humor and love. John’s generosity, patience, and warmth made him an irreplaceable part of their lives.

In 2021, John and Nancy moved to Summerville, SC, with their dog, Rosie, looking forward to retirement and living close to family. John was a loving grandfather to Stephanie’s children, Charlie and Katherine. He was the king of Lego sets, board games, and puzzles, and his Donald Duck voice and submarine horn (“ah-oooo-gah!”) will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

John is predeceased by his parents, Hugh and Janet (Waite) Brotherton and brothers Robert and David Brotherton. He is survived by his beloved wife of 29 years, Nancy Brotherton; his stepchildren Stephanie & Don Pratt of Mt. Pleasant, SC, and Patrick Hughes and his fiancée Alecia Horner of Syracuse, NY; grandchildren Charlie and Katherine Pratt, and Mary and Katherine Horner.

He is also survived by his siblings Betsy & Bob Jones of Hickory Valley, TN; Peter & Kathy Brotherton of Park City, UT; and Michael Brotherton, of Lords Valley, PA. John leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and their children, including Natalie & Tom Wallin, Mark & Candy Jones, Meredith Brotherton, Erynne & Sean Hill, and Matthew Brotherton.

John will be remembered for his quiet strength, unwavering loyalty, and the joy he brought to those around him. He was a man of service, humor, and heart—and he will be deeply missed.

Funeral services will be planned later. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in honor of John T. Brotherton to the Wounded Warrior Project or CurePSP.