05/19/2026
John E. Chambers of Branford, a man whose presence was matched only by the size of his heart, passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Connecticut Hospice after a long battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, kindness, and deep love for the world around him. He was the beloved husband of Yvette Phenix Chambers.
John was born in New Haven on March 23, 1957, a son of the late Norman R. Chambers, Jr. and Marion Schmidt Chambers, and was a lifelong resident of Branford. He and his family owned Shelley’s Garden Center on Main Street in Branford for many years until its closing in 2023.
In addition to Yvette, John is survived by his children, Christiane (Andy) Fowler of Clinton and Taylor (Benjamin) Chambers-Scussel of Branford; his grandchildren, Henry Fowler and Ava, Aurora, and Autumn Scussel; and his sister, Michele (Alan) Santos of Vermont. He was predeceased by his brother, Norman R. Chambers, III.
John was truly a gentle soul who cared deeply for all of God’s creatures, great and small. Throughout his life, he moved through the world with a quiet reverence for nature, taking immense pride in cultivating remarkable plants of every kind. To know John was to know a man rarely seen without a faithful German Shepherd by his side; a reflection of his deep bond with animals and his loyal, protective nature.
His personality was, in every sense, larger than life. John had a rare gift for brightening any room. He was often the first to make others laugh, offer a playful nickname, or greet someone with his signature warm, welcoming handshake. Beneath his joyful humor, however, was a steady and peaceful presence; a source of strength for his family and community whose impact will be felt for years to come.
Burial services will be held privately. In honor of John’s lifelong commitment to the land and the industry he loved, his legacy will continue to foster the premiere agricultural leaders of tomorrow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in John’s memory to the FFA and 4-H youth programs, ensuring his passion for agricultural leadership inspires future generations. To learn more about John’s deep dedication to agriculture and our family’s enduring legacy; past, present, and future, please visit foxfieldfarm.net, where you can also learn about the FFA and 4-H youth programs that will help ensure his passion for agricultural leadership continues to inspire future generations.
