John "Cappy" H. Demorest

John passed away peacefully on April 12, 2025. John lived his last days at Bridebrook rehabilitation and nursing center in Niantic.

John was nicknamed “Cappy”, being a descendant of ship builder and Captain, Jonathan Hoyt. The shipyard was located at West Wharf in Madison. John contracted polio when he was four years old. With just one leg, John managed to have a childhood that would be considered normal. He would be out with the neighborhood kids, riding bikes, sledding, swimming, climbing trees, you name it, he was in the thick of it.

In the mid to late 60s John learned there was a wheelchair basketball team based out of New Haven, that traveled up and down the East Coast. They were called the New Haven Spoke Benders. John joined the Spoke Benders and had a great couple of years competing with them.

In 1965, John was invited to tryout for the para-Olympic team that was to travel to Israel for the para-Olympic games. John qualified and earned a silver medal in discus.

John was predeceased by his parents, Howard and Virginia Demorest, and his brother James. He leaves his brother Charles Demorest, and son Brian Demorest. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Grace and Devon.

John’s family wishes to thank the staff at Bridebrook and all of John’s caretaking team and hospice.

Graveside service will be held on Thursday, May 22 at 12 pm in West Cemetery, Jannas Lane Madison, CT.