Dr. John R Pescosolido

John Richard Pescosolido, 87, of Fort Lauderdale, FL, previously from New Britain, CT, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 20, 2016 in Fort Lauderdale, FL with his family at his bedside. His loving wife Bonita Burns Pescosolido survives him. He was born on May 9, 1928 in Providence, RI to Arcangelo and Mary (Feole) Pescosolido.

He is survived by his five children and their spouses, John Pescosolido II of Aiken, SC; Dana Pescosolido and his wife Phyllis of Amelia Island, FL; Marc Pescosolido and his wife Shirley of Alton, ME; Lisa Amodio and her husband Gerry of New Britain, CT; Gary Pescosolido and his wife Joanne of Farmington, CT.

Eight grandchildren also survive him, John Pescosolido III, Ryan Pescosolido, Justin Pescosolido, Gina Amodio, Maria Walsh, Louis Amodio lll, James Pescosolido, and Evan Pescosolido. He also has one step grandchild, Amanda Lewis, and one great grandchild, Sylvia Rose Pescosolido. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who he loved very much.

He was predeceased by his wife Theresa (Chaput) Pescosolido, and his three sisters, Delia Bernier, Kathryn Foisey-Correia, and Margaret Colannino.

He attended Marianapolis Preparatory School in Thompson, CT prior to enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1946. He was stationed in Fort Lawton, WA, and obtained the rank of Sergeant. Most notably he was assigned to a base on the Monterrey Peninsula in California overseeing logistics support for the military operations throughout the world subsequent to World War II. Upon his discharge, he proceeded directly to college. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the Teachers’ College of Connecticut, and began his career as an elementary school teacher in the early 1950’s. He obtained his Master’s Degree in Education and his Ph.D. from the University of Connecticut.

Dr. Pescosolido ultimately became recognized as a leading educator in the United States in the areas of reading and spelling, and pioneered the use of phonetics in teaching children how to read and spell. In addition to being a reading and language arts professor at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) and the University of Hartford, he authored several sets of reading and spelling books that were adopted by many states across the country, and developed educational games that were used in classrooms. Countless students learned to read and write with the help of the many educational books and games that he created. Further, he was a nationally recognized consultant to educators across the country.

He served at CCSU as Chairman of the Reading and Language Arts Department and Acting Dean of the School of Education. He was Chair Emeritus in the reading department at the University of Hartford.

John was a true friend to all, and had a tremendous sense of humor that remained with him until his last moments on earth. He most enjoyed spending time with family and friends. His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy. He enjoyed the constant flow of people to his home in Florida, where he relished the individual time with his children, grandchildren, extended family and close friends.

For many years he enjoyed golfing with his golf group at Stanley Golf Course in New Britain. His favorite hobby was handicapping horse races at racetracks throughout the country, and could be found at Gulfstream Park in Hollywood, FL regularly. Besides that he loved the stock market and was an avid stamp and coin collector. He loved animals, and can be remembered driving around New Britain with his faithful companion Duchess, the family dog,

He served as the treasurer of the St. Francis of Assisi Parish Council. Over the last 18 years, John was on the board of directors of the Galt Towers Condominiums in Fort Lauderdale as Treasurer and President.

Calling hours Thursday from 4:00 -7:00 p.m. at New Britain Memorial Donald D. Sagarino Funeral Home, 444 Farmington Avenue, New Britain, CT. A funeral service will begin on Friday at 9 AM at the funeral home followed by the funeral liturgy at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church. 1755 Stanley St. New Britain, CT

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Community Foundation of New Britain, 74A Vine St. New Britain, CT 06053

To share a memory or send a message to the family please go to www.newbritainsagarino.com

, Delia Bernier, Kathryn Foisey-Correia, and Margaret Colannino.