John F. Conklin, 98, died peacefully on July 4, 2019, in Phoenix, AZ with family by his side. Born on November 13,1920 in New Haven, CT, John was the oldest son of Roland H. and Mary E. Conklin. John lived most of his life in Portland, CT before he and his late wife Victoria moved to Sun City, AZ in 1984.
John proudly served his country during WWII as a Staff Sargent in the U.S. Army Air Force. After his time in the service, he graduated from the University of Connecticut with a degree in History. John retired from Shaw Belting Co. in Middletown, CT as a long time Industrial Abrasive Sales Representative. Retirement didn't slow him down as he continued his love of playing Racquet Ball, climbing the White Tank Mountains, panning for gold and well into his 90's, was a regular at Glendale Community College Fitness Center. He also found time to pursue his love of clocks and clock repair, listening to and acquiring Jazz records, educating himself on antiques of all kinds and Sunday coffee with friends before heading to the auction. John was a man known for his insatiable curiosity, love and respect for his family, fondness for his hometown and his smiling Irish eyes. Once John made a friend, they remained his friend for life. He will be missed.
John is survived by his daughter Victoria and son-in-law Mark Brown of Amston, CT and grandson Kelit Brown of Jersey City, NJ. He also leaves behind his brother William (Bill) Conklin of Wethersfield, CT, sister-in-law Antonia Conklin of Westminster, MD, cousin Charlotte Anderson of Delmar, NY, and one niece and four nephews along with their families. He also leaves his good friends Michael Donovan of Tuscon, AZ, Penny Lee and Joe Hewitt of Sun City, AZ and Sandi Nelsen also of Sun City. John was predeceased by his wife Victoria, brother Roland “Junnie” Conklin, Jr. and sister Betty and brother-in-law Mark Young.
The family wishes to thank Emil and Larisa Mercea for the kindness shown to John while in their care.
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