John R. Newman

John R. Newman, 81, of East Hartford, loving husband for 50 years to Joan F. (Kelliher) Newman, passed away unexpectedly on Monday (March 21, 2011) at St. Francis Hospital, Hartford. Born in Bridgeport on December 27, 1929, a son of the late William M. and Ruth (Cowie) Newman, he resided in East Hartford for the past 48 years. John was a graduate of Stratford High School, Class of 1947, where he was the Class President and Yale University, Class of 1954. He also served in the U.S. Navy. Prior to his retirement, John was employed by UTC, working over 25 years at Sikorsky and also at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft. A devout catholic, John was a faithful daily communicant of Our Lady of Peace Church. He was a long-time member of the Irish-American Home in Glastonbury and a loyal fan of UCONN basketball. John enjoyed sailing and golfing, but most of all, he was a proud grandfather to his two granddaughters. Along with his wife, Joan, John is survived by two daughters, Nancy R. Newman of East Hartford, Eileen E. Newman of Boston, MA; a son, Dennis P. Newman and his wife, Whitney; and two adored granddaughters, Rorie A. Newman and Kylie J. Newman all of Milton, MA. He also leaves three brothers, William M. Newman of Sandy Hook, identical twin, Raymond J. Newman of Harwich, MA, Peter E. Newman of Warner, NH; many dear nieces, nephews, and friends. Funeral services will be Friday (March 25) at 9:30 a.m. from the D'Esopo-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Peace Church, Brandon Road/May Road, East Hartford. Burial with military honors will follow at West Meadow Cemetery, Willard Avenue, Newington. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home chapel on Thursday (March 24) from 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, 855 Asylum Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopo.com.