John Schumansky

John J. Schumansky, 89, of Windham, avid fisherman and hunter, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Monday, November 1, 2010. He was born December 18, 1920 in Waterbury, the son of Carl and Stella (Karpinsky) Shimansky, who had immigrated from Ukraine. John enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II and served on aircraft carriers in the Pacific. Upon his discharge he joined the Merchant Marines as an engineer and traveled all over the world. Upon his retirement from the Merchant Marines he returned to the family homestead in Windham and built a home for himself. He was employed and retired from the former Mansfield State Training School. John owned and raced thoroughbreds on several New England tracks. He was especially proud of the champion English Setters that he bred and trained for hunting and field trials as J.J's Setters, winning many ribbons with them. He leaves his beloved 2 year old Benny, "Big Ben", who has won many ribbons in the puppy division. Upon his final retirement, John built a custom Jeep camper and drove to Alaska on the Al Can highway several times. John was a life long member of the Fin, Fur and Feather Club of Chaplin and looked forward to the challenges of hunting season each year. His final passion and joy was fishing for King and Sockeye salmon each summer with his great nephew Dean serving as his guide on the Kenai River, once landing a prize 65 lb. King salmon. He leaves his caring niece, Patt Schlehofer and her husband Frank of Anchorage, AK and their children, who were especially close to their great uncle, Deirdre Schlehofer and her husband Werner Zorn of Fairport, NY, Frank Schlehofer and his wife, Lily Li and their children, Frank and Daniel of Anchorage, and great nephew Dean Schlehofer, also of Anchorage. He also leaves his nephews Calvin and Bruce Cothron of TN and nieces Irene Williams of OK and Pamela Belcher of TN, his niece and neighbor, Audrey Shea and neighbor Mark Wilson of Windham. He was predeceased by his brother James "Nim" Shimansky and his sisters Marceline Shimansky and Julia Cothron. Friends are welcome to stop by John's house on Indian Hollow Road on Saturday, November 6th during the afternoon and evening hours to share memories. John's cremated remains will be scattered during a memorial service in the summer of 2011 along the banks of the Kenai River with family and the many friends he made on his summer visits present. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Windham Center Volunteer Fire Department. The Potter Funeral Home, Willimantic assisted with arrangements. Please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com for online memorial guest book.