John C. Conklin

John C. Conklin, age 95, of Willington / Mansfield, passed away on November 14, 2011 after a brief illness. Born on July 23, 1916, John grew up in White Plains, NY, and later served in the US Navy during World War II as an air traffic controller. John traveled the world during his successful career on Wall Street, where he was highly respected. He retired from Marine Midland Bank after 17 years as the Senior Vice President responsible for all European Commercial Lending. Prior to that he was with Chase Manhattan Bank in a similar position for many years. In 1975 John and his beloved wife Carol, moved aboard the "Carol C", a 40' trawler yacht at the Huguenot Yacht Club in New Rochelle, NY. After retirement, they cruised down the Intracoastal Waterway, around the Caribbean and spent many summers on Little Peconic Bay near Long Island, NY. Prior to that, many happy summers were spent on Fisherman's Beach surrounded by extended family. John and Carol later lived in Willington, CT for twenty years, until Carol passed away in 2004. A year later, John suffered a stroke and was cared for lovingly by his devoted stepdaughter, Dru for nearly seven years in Mansfield, CT. Fondly known as PopPop, John is also survived by his daughters Nancy, Wendy and Jill; stepchildren Cynthia and Robert; grandchildren Allison and Daniel, Lynn, David, Graham, Matthew, Johanna and Meredith; and five great grandchildren. Ceremony will be held privately. For an online memorial guestbook, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com .