John Patrick Vrabel

John Patrick Vrabel, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2023, in Willimantic, CT. Born on October 23, 1932, in New York.

John served his country in the Navy from 1952 to 1956 as a machinist in the engine room of the Aircraft carrier the S.S. Roosevelt. Through the Navy, John was able to see the world.  After his honorable discharge, John became a Machinist Apprentice at the NYC Railroad from 1956 to 1959.  John married Ellen Olsen (Hooper) and they had 3 children together, and then divorced some years later. John became a Machinist and Welder at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft from 1959 to 1994. John was honored for his 25 and 35 years of service, reflecting his commitment to his work and colleagues.

John was a lifelong fan of the NY Giants and NY Yankees, and had a love for the music of the 40's and 50's with a special fondness for “old blue eyes”, Frank Sinatra. John loved to laugh and enjoyed many old comedies.  John regularly attended Saturday evening Mass at St. Joseph's Church in Willimantic, CT.  John was an avid reader who especially enjoyed writer Robert Ludlum. He loved sharing stories about his youth in NYC, often reminiscing about standing on the corner with his buddies getting into some sort of trouble.  

Above all, John cherished his family and dear friends.  He leaves behind his children; daughter, Lorraine Kjellquist (Vrabel) of Willimantic, CT, sons Jason Vrabel, of Willimantic, CT and Michael Vrabel and Marjorie Vrabel (Ladd) of Coventry, CT. He was a beloved grandfather to Todd and Stephanie Kjellquist of Willimantic, Lee Kjellquist of Coventry, CT, Cassady Vrabel of Willimantic CT and Madison Sims (Vrabel) and Jonathan Sims of Toledo, Ohio. 
John was predeceased by his sisters: Emily (Vrabel) and Jack LaRosa, Ann (Vrabel) and Charles Levak, Josephine "Jo" (Vrabel) and John Mashamish, and Elizabeth "Betty" (Vrabel) and Valentino "Val" Diestler.

John also leaves behind many loving friends and extended family. 

John's kind and gentle spirit will be remembered by all who knew him. His stories, his laughter, and his love for his family will always be cherished. John P. Vrabel was a man of character, a true friend, a loving father, and a doting grandfather. He will be deeply missed.

Calling hours: Friday September 8, 2023 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. Willimantic, CT 

Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 10:00 AM at St. Joseph Church, 99 Jackson, St. Willimantic, CT.  Celebration of Life Reception to follow. 

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