JOHN ALPHONSE VALENGAVICH

John Alphonse Valengavich passed away on December 14, 2007 at Walnut Hill Care Center. He was born in New Britain on December 28, 1915, 3 days after Christmas and 3 days before New Years to Aloysious and Carolina ( Miskies) Valengavich, immigrants from Lithuania. He was alive for 3 Red Sox World Series championships. He survived having polio at age 2 which left his right leg two inches shorter than his left leg. Although he never considered it a problem, it kept him out of the Civilian Conservation Corps and the armed forces, and hindered his efforts to get a decent job. He was working as a caddy at the Shuttle Meadow Golf Course when one of his regulars made her husband give him a job at Fafnir Bearing Company. He started as an inspector and worked there for 40 years before retiring in 1979 as a tool and die maker. He was a strong union supporter and served as steward and on the contract negotiating committee. When he was young he worked as a life guard and swimming instructor at the YMCA. He taught many local residents swimming at the YMCA, and at The Hospital for Special Care in Newington. He also taught first aid for the Red Cross, including teaching a course on emergency care to the nurses at New Britain General Hospital. He married Rose Heslin in 1946 and they had five children, 4 boys and a girl who were the cause of much mischief around the community. Family life included of trips around the country and many fondly remembered summers spent camping at Hammonasset State Park. He was a Boy Scout leader and participated actively at St Andrews Church, where he was a lifelong member, including the Mr and Mrs Club and their variety shows, and the Folk Choir, where he sang as a tenor soloist both here and abroad. He also participated in the Amber Club and Varpas Clubs. He enjoyed traveling, both around the country and trips to Lithuania, Russia, Holland, Alaska and Hawaii. He and Rose also liked to cruise the ports of the Caribean. He is predeceased by his beloved wife Rose, his daughter Marie, and his sister Susan. He leaves behind his sons John and his wife Leanne, Martin and his wife Stacy, and James, all of New Britain, and Thomas and his wife Becky of Mesa Arizona. He also leaves seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Funeral services will take place from the Venskunas Funeral Home 670 Stanley St on Tuesday at 9:00am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St Andrews Church at 10:00am. Burial will follow in St Mary Cemetery. Calling hours will take place on Monday from 4:00-7:00pm. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in John's memory to St Andrew's Church. To place online condolences please go to www.venskunasfuneralhome.com.

JOHN ALPHONSE VALENGAVICH

December 28, 1915 - December 14, 2007