John Joseph Lescoe Jr

John Joseph Lescoe, Jr. was welcomed into eternity on September 14, 2015. Born in 1939 in Willimantic the middle child of John J. Lescoe and Mary Cremin Lescoe. He is survived by his wife of fifty years Paulann (Nowakowski) Lescoe; a daughter and son-in-law, Joy and Gino Fiasconaro of Chaplin, CT; a son and daughter-in-law Jay and Lindsay Lescoe and his grandson Jonas Lescoe of Cincinnati, Ohio. His passing is also mourned by his siblings: Mary Russo of Tolland, Margaret Aspinall and her husband Donald of Bolton; Ann Weston and her husband Frank of Kensington; and his brother, Daniel Lescoe of Windsor. He was predeceased by a brother-in-law Anthony Russo, and a sister-in-law Candace Lescoe. He will be lovingly remembered by several nieces, great nieces, nephews, great nephews and cousins. John was a graduate of St Joseph's School, Windham High School, and Eastern Connecticut State University and was extremely proud to be a lifelong resident of Willimantic. After high school graduation he went into the Marine Corp, and was stationed stateside for the next two years. He worked at Pratt & Whitney as a machinist for over eight years, leaving in 1966 to enroll in Eastern Connecticut State University full time, graduating as one of the first Physical Education Majors. John began a thirty year tenure at Horace Porter Elementary School in Columbia, CT by teaching physical education and eventually transitioning to junior high social studies and language arts. In 1986 he moved into a half year teaching position then a substitute teaching role as he fulfilled his duties as the State Representative of the 49th District in the Connecticut Legislature, a position he held for the next twelve years. After leaving the legislature he spent the next two and a half years as the First Selectman for the Town of Windham. John then retired, ending a thirty two year political career. John devoted much of his time to programs for the youth of the community. He ran the Elk's "Hoop Shoot" and the Knights of Columbus Free Throw contest for over forty years. He was a member of numerous committees formed to foster recreation, and in his early years was a member of the Town Recreation Commission. As his children grew, he was involved in Little Pal basketball, Little League baseball, WYO and the intermediate junior high basketball traveling team. His greatest joy was attending his children's athletic events, rarely missing one. An icon on his computer was set for Springfield College to easily check his daughter's basketball and rugby scores. Spring and summer was always reserved for softball. For over fifty years he played, or was on the rooster of a team. He was instrumental in the formation of the Willi Mac Softball League, and was in charge of scheduling for years. Being able to sponsor a team (Joy Child Care) was especially meaningful to him. John was elected to the first Willi Mac Hall of fame, and was a proud member of the Willi Mac Legends softball team. The citizens of Windham benefited from his long career as a public servant, as he served in the positions of Alderman, Selectman, First Selectman, Mayor and State Representative. One of his greatest joys in these roles was being able to personally help individual constituents to resolve problems. Additionally he took great pride in bringing back dollars to the town to fund various projects. Initiatives of note were the Textile Museum, the installation of lights and a playground at Recreation Park, and the "Frog Bridge" downtown. John was also pleased to have successfully thwarted a large ash-dump slated to be built in Windham. John was a member of the P.O.B.E. Elks Club where he was named Elk of the Year for 2003-2004. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, a past president of the Polish Club, and an honorary member of the Franco-American Citizens Club, a place where he often hung his hat in his early years. In 2015 he was inducted into the elite "Cupids" group during Romantic Willimantic week. This was a very special honor for him since the cupid tradition began when he was mayor. Throughout his years he was recognized by various organizations that thanked him for his dedication and public service; and he was always very humbled and grateful. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. The family will receive friends, Friday, September 18, 2015 from 5:00-7:00 PM at Potter Funeral Home 456 Jackson St. (Rte.195) Willimantic, CT. A Funeral Mass will be Saturday, September 19, 2015 at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church 99 Jackson St. Willimantic, CT.