John Joseph Cruise Jr

John Joseph Cruise Jr., 69, of Ashford, died Saturday, July 14, 2012 at St. Joseph Living Center in Windham. He was born December 10, 1942 in Troy, NY the son of John J. and Ethel (Davis) Cruise. Throughout his life he lived in NY, CA, VA, and Connecticut, living in Ashford since 1969. John was a U.S. Navy veteran and prior to his retirement had been employed by Northeast Utilities for over 30 years. He was a member of the RAMS Motor Cycle Club, enjoyed taking trips on his Honda Gold Wing and cooking for local motorcycle enduro races. He was a Boy Scout Master and former eagle scout and used to umpire for Ashford Baseball. John also enjoyed being a "Jolly Red Man". He is survived by four children, Wendy Appel and her husband Dan of Glastonbury, Marie Hosch and her husband Tim of Charlotte, NC, John J. Cruise III of Torrington and Brett L. Cruise of Alabama, four grandchildren, Brandon Appel, Justin Appel, Melody Cruise and Connor Appel, three sisters, Sandra Larson and her husband Bert of Hyde Park, VT, Janice Barry and her husband Richard of Ashford and Kathy Frederick and her husband Duane of Woodstock, CT, many nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. in the Westford Hill Cemetery, Westford Hill Rd., Ashford. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. Arrangements are through the Potter Funeral Home, Willimantic. Please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com for online memorial guest book.