Tribute to Generous and Insightful Cultural and Community Leader John Gfroerer, 1950-2023

We are saddened by the loss of our good friend John Gfroerer. John was a tireless advocate for history and preservation, giving selflessly of his time and expertise. He will be deeply missed. 

Most recently John had been developing a video series for the Preservation Alliance and the Concord Historical Society documenting the history, significance and preservation of the 1888 Gasholder in Concord. These short pieces offer viewers a rare chance to see behind the fence and inspire, as well as learn about how it worked, and how it was recently stabilized, through the voices of experts. John and Concord Historical Society president Jim Milliken also made a point to interview Concord civic leader and Concord Gas manager Cedric Dustin before he died for another two-set series to capture more about this last-of-its-kind landmark. These videos can be viewed on the Save Our Gasholder web-site.

For almost three decades, John’s Accompany Video Production served the local community and beyond with a variety of video services ranging from historical documentaries and political pieces to dance recitals and local theater productions. John's work has been broadcast on Public Television and the History Channel. Three of his films highlighted award-winning preservation projects:  Meeting House: The Heart of Washington, NH, Restoration: New Hampshire State House, and A House A Barn A Community (about the Rolfe Barn in Penacook). All are highly-engaging summaries of special places and the people who built, cared for and revived them, and the Washington story was recognized with a Preservation Achievement award. 

John was deeply committed to improving the quality of life in Concord. Most recently, he was the Executive Director of the Concord Historical Society and Supervisor of the Checklist in Ward 3. Shortly after moving to Concord in the 70s, John helped start the New Hampshire Folk Festival and direct the First Night Concord festivities on New Year's Eve. He has been a contributor for the Concord Monitor for a number of years, frequently writing "My Turn" pieces on timely subjects and reflections on life as a citizen, father, and artist.

As his family wrote in his obituary: John sought to teach others the value of honesty, integrity, humility, and diplomacy. The only thing he didn't teach us was how to live without him.