John Wisted Obituary
After a long struggle with Dementia, John Francis Wisted, age 87, of Manchester, CT passed away peacefully on Wednesday February 22, 2023, at UConn John Dempsey Hospital in Farmington, CT. Born on October 1, 1935, in Hartford, CT to Francis and Mary Wisted, John was an only child.
Following High School John enlisted in the United States Navy serving with the rank of Seaman from 1956 to 1958. After being honorably discharged from active duty in 1958, John continued his service to our country in the Navy Reserves until 1962. During his time in the Navy John traveled to destinations across the globe. He also served on the National Historic Landmark Aircraft Carrier USS Intrepid, which served tours of duty in World War II, simulated Soviet attacks in the late 1950’s and was a recovery vessel for the Gemini and Mercury space missions. John’s name, rank and period of service to our country is memorialized on a “Seat of Honor” plaque in the Allison & Howard Lutnick Theater to American veterans and members of the military at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.
Following his service in the Navy, John started what would become a long and successful career at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford, CT. John was a loyal and dedicated Pratt employee, having spent his entire career there until his retirement more than thirty years later.
In April of 1970 John married the love of his life, Lucille. Lucille and John established their home of more than 50 years in Manchester, CT. While John and Lucille did not have children of their own, they doted over their three nieces and one nephew. Lucille and John also helped many in need throughout their lives having given very generously to many charities and not-for-profit organizations.
After John retired from Pratt and Lucille from teaching, they traveled extensively, fully enjoying each other's company as lifelong partners and best friends. In between their many adventures traveling they enjoyed their time with family and their four-legged children. Lucille and John were the proud parents of many dogs including their beloved King Charles Cavalier Spaniels, Charlie and Winston.
Friends, family and strangers alike would frequently comment how pleasant and gracious John was. He had an infectious smile and a great sense of humor.
John was predeceased by his wife Lucille Bernard Wisted, his parents Francis and May Wisted, and his sisters-in-law Pauline Daigle and Sandra Card. He is survived by his brother-in-law Richard L. Card of Mansfield, CT, his nephew David E. Barlow and his wife Suzanne Barlow of Harwinton, CT, his niece Kellie Lowry of MA, his niece Lori Drew and her husband John Drew of MA, and his niece Tracy Patrick and her husband Chris Patrick of MA, his first cousin once removed Vin Crosbie of Taftville, CT, 7 great-nephews and 2 great-nieces. Flowers can be sent to Potter Funeral Home at 456 Jackson St., Willimantic, CT 06226. There will be a private family viewing on Monday, May 20th followed by a short private burial service at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Willimantic, CT.
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