John F. Falvey Sr.

Norwich — John Francis Falvey, 84, known to many as “Umpa”, died peacefully in his sleep Sunday morning, Jan. 26, 2014.

John was born to Daniel and Mary Ellen (Navin) Falvey and lived in Norwich most his life. He was a proud 1947 graduate of the Norwich Free Academy and a U.S. Army veteran serving from May 19, 1951 to Aug. 5, 1952, occupying Germany. Soon after, he found his home working for Southern New England Telephone Co., where he started as a lineman fixing poles and worked his way up over the years, retiring as a wire chief in 1987.

John was a dedicated member of Sts. Peter and Paul Church, where he married Joyce Ann “Nena” (Nelson) in 1953. She predeceased him.

In the 1960s and 70s, he was active with the Boy Scouts of America, and served as district chairman. He was also an active member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, the Knights of Columbus, and the Telephone Pioneers of America. He loved spending time with family and friends and couldn’t go anywhere without running into a familiar face. He had a certain zest for life that was often complemented by his optimism and sense of humor. He was proud of his Irish heritage and eternal love for meat and potatoes. But above all, John will be remembered for his strength, generosity, and fierce dedication to his family. He lived by his word and lived the words he often gave as advice, “Take each day as it comes.”

In addition to his wife, John was predeceased by his son, Timothy Albert; sister, Helen (Falvey) Guinan; and brother, Daniel Matthew Jr.

He leaves behind his elder son, John Francis Jr. and wife, Kim; his daughter, Ellen Kachmar and her children, Kala, Keriana, Safi, and Timothya Kachmar, all of whom he raised as his own children. He also leaves behind his brother, Arthur Falvey and wife, Frances; his sister, Ann (Falvey) McGill and husband, James; grandchildren, Brooke Ann Falvey and Maribeth (Falvey) Doyle; as well as nieces and nephews.

His family will receive relatives and friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29, at Labenski Funeral Home, 107 Boswell Ave., Norwich. The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, 181 Elizabeth St., Norwich, followed by burial at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, 815 Boswell Ave., Norwich.

Please visit www.labenskifuneralhome.com, to leave an online condolence for the Falvey family.