ANDOVER — It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of John J. Kaiser, Sr., age 80, who passed away peacefully on January 6, 2025. John was born on December 31, 1944, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to the late Theodore and Ruth Kaiser. He was predeceased by his siblings, Theodore Kaiser, Jr., Ruth Fulham, and James Kaiser.

John grew up on the South Shore of Massachusetts and graduated from Silver Lake High School. He then pursued his passion for cooking, attending the prestigious Culinary Institute of America at Yale University. His love for food and hospitality led him to a distinguished career in the restaurant industry, where he worked as an Executive Chef in various renowned establishments across the country, including several in Boston. One of his favorite memories was hosting and serving the Boston Bruins in the 1970s.

In the 1980s John and his wife, Jean, relocated to Andover, New Hampshire, where they ran the beloved Potter Place Inn Restaurant. They quickly became part of the local fabric of the community, and New Hampshire became a place they both called home.

A devoted animal lover, John was also known for his love of travel. He and Jean enjoyed many road trips in New England and across the United States, creating lasting memories together.

John is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Jean, and their children: John Kaiser, Jr. and his wife Elaine; Kellie Wanbaugh and her husband Allen; Steve Oberlander and his wife Jennifer; Mark Oberlander and his wife Terry; Karen Moore and her husband Bill. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of John’s life was held at Chadwick Funeral Home, 235 Main Street, New London, on January 13.