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John William Ashton

John William Ashton of Madison, beloved husband of Fay Perret Ashton, died peacefully at home with his family by his side on Saturday, Sept. 16. He was born in New York, New York, on May 22, 1938, to the late William DeForest Ashton and Margaret Jean Ashton (Foulds).

He grew up in Garden City, New York. After high school, he attended and graduated from Tufts University, then entered the U.S. Navy, where he became a naval pilot. After leaving the Navy in 1965, he began flying for Trans World Airlines (TWA), a job he loved. After retirement, he enjoyed golf at the Madison Country Club.

John loved the serenity of the cottage that his father built on Blue Sea Lake in Quebec, Canada. He spent summers at the lake starting in his early childhood and continuing until a few years ago. There, he made life-long friends and had happy memories. He was able to watch his children and grandchildren make memories of their own at Blue Sea Lake.

John was often seen on the sidelines or in the bleachers, supporting his grandchildren in their many athletic contests. John and Fay enjoyed traveling in the U.S. and around the world and visited many countries with their good friends, Doris and Dean Bennett. He and Fay lived on Stonewall Lane for 41 years with wonderful friends and neighbors.

Besides his wife Fay of 61 years, he leaves behind his children, Brad Ashton (Nancy) of Savannah, Georgia, Kathryn Burger of Mandeville, Louisianna, and Susan Cosgriff (Teg) of Madison; and eight grandchildren whom he adored: Ashton and Grant Burger, John, Will and Edward Ashton and Teggie, Brad, and Clay Cosgriff. He also leaves his sister Janet Eliot of Scottsdale, Arizona. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Brad Eliot, and son-in-law, Wayne Burger. John’s greatest loves were his family, his friends, his country, his three yellow Labs, and his many granddogs.

A memorial service was on Sept. 28 at the Swan Funeral Home, 825 Boston Post Road, Madison. Friends called prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in John’s memory may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS, 66675-8517.