John Joseph Macsuga

John Joseph Macsuga, 48, of Manchester, left us in pursuit of bigger fish and passed away on Thursday (February 3, 2011) with his family beside him after a 20-month long battle with bladder cancer and carcinomenegitis. It didn't matter whether it was fresh water or salt water, John was always ready to cast a line. He joins his father, Richard ""Butch"" Macsuga in this pursuit. Waiting at the dock are his cherished mother, Violet (Baker) Macsuga of Glastonbury, his best friend and companion in life, Michelle S. (Conran) Macsuga, and the loves of his life, Shawna and Joshua Macsuga at home, along with their dog, Tucker. Also waiting are his siblings and their spouses: Laurie and Wayne Pencz of East Hartford, Susan D'Onofrio of Vernon, Rick and Mary Macsuga of South Windsor; his in-laws, Tom and Louise Conran of East Hartford; his brother-in-law and sister-in- law, Tom & Michele Conran, Jr. of Glastonbury. He was Uncle John to his nieces and nephews: John D'Onofrio, Kyle and Colleen Macsuga, Allison and Jonathan Pencz, Jenifer and Sean Conran. He especially loved watching Shawna dance and cheer, and he was there to support and cheer Joshua on in hockey and baseball. He leaves behind treasured memories of time spent with his family at Spofford Lake in New Hampshire, The White Mountains, The Cape, and Disney vacations. John grew up in Sunset Hills in East Hartford, and was a graduate of East Hartford High School, Class of 1980 where he stills holds the town record for the 50-yard freestyle swim. John was a friend of Bill W. and will continue in his serenity along with his dear friend Jack Kelly. He was formerly employed by the Asbestos Workers Local 33, Wallingford, and was presently employed for many years at the MDC where he leaves many friends. John's family would like to extend a special thank you to the MDC family for their support during this difficult time. His family also wishes to extend their since thanks to Phiona Juselis, his wonderful caregiver, and to his cousins, Joe and Eddie Ryba for their constant and caring companionship. John will walk beside us and live in our hearts forever. Funeral services will be Monday (February 7th) with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10:30 a.m. at St. Isaac Jogues Church, One Community Street, East Hartford. (Everyone is asked to please go directly to the church on Monday morning). Private burial will be held at the convenience of the family. Relatives and friends may call at the D'Esopo-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford on Sunday (February 6th) from 1-5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John's name may be made to the Shawna and Joshua Macsuga Scholarship Fund, c/o Mrs. Louise Conran, 100 Harvest Lane, East Hartford, CT 06118. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopo.com.