John D. Leavitt-Ryder, 75, of Rocky Hill, died peacefully on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at Sgt. John L. Levitow Veterans Healthcare Center. He was born on August 14, 1942, in Westerly, RI, the son of the late Charles and Helen Leavitt. John was a proud veteran serving our country four years in the United States Air Force and twenty years in the Connecticut Air National Guard, 103rd Airlift Wing (Flying Yankees) retiring as Master Sergeant. He served many roles in the CT ANG but most notably a military police officer. John was a police officer for the East Hartford Police Department for 35 years; his passion was helping people in need through police work; in the early years he walked the beat for many years and loved the close relationship with the community. He also was a narcotics agent for the Capital Region Task Force in Connecticut for two years. John was truly a “Leo the Lion” – outgoing, generosity of spirit and a zest for life. His signature good-bye to you always included “Carry On” in good and bad times – to remain calm, strong and prevail. He will be missed dearly by love ones and friends. John leaves his son, John Leavitt and his wife, Jennifer Leavitt and two children of Browns Mills, New Jersey, his two daughters Jody Leavitt of Winslow, Maine and Rachael Stanley and her husband James Stanley and three children of Maine. He leaves a brother, Mark Leavitt and his wife, Lynn Leavitt of South Windsor, CT, and a sister, Dona Witham and her husband David Witham of Cape Coral, FL. Family and friends may call at the Newkirk & Whitney Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Ave., East Hartford, CT on Friday morning, March 16th from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM with a service being held at the funeral home at 10:30 AM. Burial, with Military Honors, will be held in the State Veteran's Cemetery in Middletown. Please visit www.newkirkandwhitney.com for online condolences and guest book.
