John L. Daigle, 83, of Vernon, beloved husband of Constance (Pohl) Daigle, passed away peacefully on Thursday February 18, 2016.
Born February 12, 1933 in Fort Kent, Maine to the late Joseph & Leonie (Bouthot) Daigle, he became a hard worker picking potatoes on the family farm while maintaining his friendly nature. The family moved here when he was four to manage tobacco/potato farms but moved back to Maine after his father was killed in a tragic truck accident. He returned to Connecticut for good when he was ten only to barely escape the 1944 Hartford Circus fire a year later by sliding down a rope with his brother and sister.
A long-time local resident, he was a graduate of Rockville High School class of 1950 and a member of their varsity basketball and baseball teams while remaining active in student council, organizing the annual class reunions until a few years ago. After a semester of college, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War where he met the love of his life and married in April 1954. Once discharged, he worked at the American Dye Mill at night and attended UConn during the day pursuing a BS degree in Business while still supporting his family. Upon receiving his degree began a long career at The Travelers Companies. Along the way he became a Certified Employee Benefits Specialist while earning his MBA degree from the University of Connecticut. He was in various positions in Asset Management and Pension Services until retiring as Vice President after 33 years of service.
John became active in local politics working for what he believed was good for the town and good for the people of the town. He was elected to the last Board of Selectmen and worked on the consolidation of the City of Rockville and Vernon Fire District, then was elected to the Town Council, and Justice of the Peace. He was appointed Town Treasurer, Deputy Registrar of Voters, and Director of Greater Hartford Transit Authority. He served on six Charter Revision Commissions, Charter and Consolidation Commission, Town Pension Board, Economic Development Commission, Social Services Advisory Board, Citizens Advisory Group for Nuclear Waste Site, Rockville Zoning Board of Appeals, Redevelopment Agency and Recreation Commissions for Rockville and Vernon. He was a four-time Republican Town Chairman. He was a member of the Rockville Elks #1359 and the American Legion Post 14.
His interest in sports was kept active as a player-coach of baseball, softball and basketball teams in the town recreation leagues. He was one of the founders and administrator and coach of the Babe Ruth League. He organized a fundamental basketball program for children and coached in both boys and girls recreational basketball programs and the girls’ softball program.
In his retirement he enjoyed his weekly golfing group, his breakfasts and lunches with good loyal friends, UConn basketball and football and the Yankees. He was kept busy attending every grandchild's sports game, dance recital, band concert, school play, art show or award night.
A product of a good-willed and religious upbringing, John was very active in the parish activities at St. Bernard Church, enrolling his six children in their school, becoming a member of the school board, Parish Council president, and serving as a lector and usher at Sunday Mass.
His kind heart guided him to be concerned for others in need and demonstrated that as a driver for both the Cancer Society and the Veterans Administration, as a reader in the Vernon Reads program, sorting books at the Historical Society Book Fair, and by volunteering whenever and wherever needed.
His family was the most important part of his life. There was not a thing existing in this world that brought him brighter joy than having family around him and being able to be a part of his grandchildren's lives. The titles of Dad and Grandpa were his greatest accomplishments. He knew he was blessed ....and we were too.
Besides his loving wife of 61years, he is survived and deeply missed by his six children and their spouses: Rebecca Daigle of Vernon, Sheryl (Gregory) Switaj of Michigan, Mary Norton of Ellington, Christine Daigle (Howard) Friedman of Ellington, Jean (John) Cerniglia of Plainville, and John (Laura) Daigle Jr. of Ellington. He was also the proud and loving grandpa to 16 grandchildren and their spouses: Matthew Teubner, Stephanie {Eric) McCracken, Paul (Erin)Switaj, Sarah Switaj, Caryn Switaj, Gregory Norton, Erin (Aaron) Norton, Brendan Norton, Jacob Friedman, Benjamin Friedman, Caroline Friedman, Rachel Friedman, Tyler Hernandez, Tate Hernandez, Timothy Daigle, and William Daigle and his first great-grandchild Elizabeth Switaj.
John is also survived by his sister Carmella (Bea) Philipp and her husband Allen of Tolland and many special nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his sisters Nanette, Loretta and Jacqueline, and his brothers Frank, Rosario, Valier, Bertrand, Hermel, Bernard, Bernadin and Eugene. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Vernon Manor for all their kindness, compassion, and support. Relatives and friends are welcome to join the family from 4-7 pm on Monday, February 22, 2016 at the Burke-Fortin Funeral Home, 76 Prospect St., Rockville, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at St. Bernard Church, Rockville, CT. Burial will follow at St. Bernard Cemetery in Rockville, CT. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made American Heart Association, 5 Brookside Drive, PO Box 5022, Wallingford, CT 06492. For online condolences please visit: www.pietrasfuneralhome.com.
Born February 12, 1933 in Fort Kent, Maine to the late Joseph & Leonie (Bouthot) Daigle, he became a hard worker picking potatoes on the family farm while maintaining his friendly nature. The family moved here when he was four to manage tobacco/potato farms but moved back to Maine after his father was killed in a tragic truck accident. He returned to Connecticut for good when he was ten only to barely escape the 1944 Hartford Circus fire a year later by sliding down a rope with his brother and sister.
A long-time local resident, he was a graduate of Rockville High School class of 1950 and a member of their varsity basketball and baseball teams while remaining active in student council, organizing the annual class reunions until a few years ago. After a semester of college, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War where he met the love of his life and married in April 1954. Once discharged, he worked at the American Dye Mill at night and attended UConn during the day pursuing a BS degree in Business while still supporting his family. Upon receiving his degree began a long career at The Travelers Companies. Along the way he became a Certified Employee Benefits Specialist while earning his MBA degree from the University of Connecticut. He was in various positions in Asset Management and Pension Services until retiring as Vice President after 33 years of service.
John became active in local politics working for what he believed was good for the town and good for the people of the town. He was elected to the last Board of Selectmen and worked on the consolidation of the City of Rockville and Vernon Fire District, then was elected to the Town Council, and Justice of the Peace. He was appointed Town Treasurer, Deputy Registrar of Voters, and Director of Greater Hartford Transit Authority. He served on six Charter Revision Commissions, Charter and Consolidation Commission, Town Pension Board, Economic Development Commission, Social Services Advisory Board, Citizens Advisory Group for Nuclear Waste Site, Rockville Zoning Board of Appeals, Redevelopment Agency and Recreation Commissions for Rockville and Vernon. He was a four-time Republican Town Chairman. He was a member of the Rockville Elks #1359 and the American Legion Post 14.
His interest in sports was kept active as a player-coach of baseball, softball and basketball teams in the town recreation leagues. He was one of the founders and administrator and coach of the Babe Ruth League. He organized a fundamental basketball program for children and coached in both boys and girls recreational basketball programs and the girls’ softball program.
In his retirement he enjoyed his weekly golfing group, his breakfasts and lunches with good loyal friends, UConn basketball and football and the Yankees. He was kept busy attending every grandchild's sports game, dance recital, band concert, school play, art show or award night.
A product of a good-willed and religious upbringing, John was very active in the parish activities at St. Bernard Church, enrolling his six children in their school, becoming a member of the school board, Parish Council president, and serving as a lector and usher at Sunday Mass.
His kind heart guided him to be concerned for others in need and demonstrated that as a driver for both the Cancer Society and the Veterans Administration, as a reader in the Vernon Reads program, sorting books at the Historical Society Book Fair, and by volunteering whenever and wherever needed.
His family was the most important part of his life. There was not a thing existing in this world that brought him brighter joy than having family around him and being able to be a part of his grandchildren's lives. The titles of Dad and Grandpa were his greatest accomplishments. He knew he was blessed ....and we were too.
Besides his loving wife of 61years, he is survived and deeply missed by his six children and their spouses: Rebecca Daigle of Vernon, Sheryl (Gregory) Switaj of Michigan, Mary Norton of Ellington, Christine Daigle (Howard) Friedman of Ellington, Jean (John) Cerniglia of Plainville, and John (Laura) Daigle Jr. of Ellington. He was also the proud and loving grandpa to 16 grandchildren and their spouses: Matthew Teubner, Stephanie {Eric) McCracken, Paul (Erin)Switaj, Sarah Switaj, Caryn Switaj, Gregory Norton, Erin (Aaron) Norton, Brendan Norton, Jacob Friedman, Benjamin Friedman, Caroline Friedman, Rachel Friedman, Tyler Hernandez, Tate Hernandez, Timothy Daigle, and William Daigle and his first great-grandchild Elizabeth Switaj.
John is also survived by his sister Carmella (Bea) Philipp and her husband Allen of Tolland and many special nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his sisters Nanette, Loretta and Jacqueline, and his brothers Frank, Rosario, Valier, Bertrand, Hermel, Bernard, Bernadin and Eugene. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Vernon Manor for all their kindness, compassion, and support. Relatives and friends are welcome to join the family from 4-7 pm on Monday, February 22, 2016 at the Burke-Fortin Funeral Home, 76 Prospect St., Rockville, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at St. Bernard Church, Rockville, CT. Burial will follow at St. Bernard Cemetery in Rockville, CT. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made American Heart Association, 5 Brookside Drive, PO Box 5022, Wallingford, CT 06492. For online condolences please visit: www.pietrasfuneralhome.com.
John L. Daigle, 83, of Vernon, beloved husband of Constance (Pohl) Daigle, passed away peacefully on Thursday February 18, 2016.
Born February 12, 1933 in Fort Kent, Maine to the late Joseph & Leonie (Bouthot) Daigle, he became a hard worker picking potatoes on the family farm while maintaining his friendly nature. The family moved here when he was four to manage tobacco/potato farms but moved back to Maine after his father was killed in a tragic truck accident. He returned to Connecticut for good when he was ten only to barely escape the 1944 Hartford Circus fire a year later by sliding down a rope with his brother and sister.
A long-time local resident, he was a graduate of Rockville High School class of 1950 and a member of their varsity basketball and baseball teams while remaining active in student council, organizing the annual class reunions until a few years ago. After a semester of college, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War where he met the love of his life and married in April 1954. Once discharged, he worked at the American Dye Mill at night and attended UConn during the day pursuing a BS degree in Business while still supporting his family. Upon receiving his degree began a long career at The Travelers Companies. Along the way he became a Certified Employee Benefits Specialist while earning his MBA degree from the University of Connecticut. He was in various positions in Asset Management and Pension Services until retiring as Vice President after 33 years of service.
John became active in local politics working for what he believed was good for the town and good for the people of the town. He was elected to the last Board of Selectmen and worked on the consolidation of the City of Rockville and Vernon Fire District, then was elected to the Town Council, and Justice of the Peace. He was appointed Town Treasurer, Deputy Registrar of Voters, and Director of Greater Hartford Transit Authority. He served on six Charter Revision Commissions, Charter and Consolidation Commission, Town Pension Board, Economic Development Commission, Social Services Advisory Board, Citizens Advisory Group for Nuclear Waste Site, Rockville Zoning Board of Appeals, Redevelopment Agency and Recreation Commissions for Rockville and Vernon. He was a four-time Republican Town Chairman. He was a member of the Rockville Elks #1359 and the American Legion Post 14.
His interest in sports was kept active as a player-coach of baseball, softball and basketball teams in the town recreation leagues. He was one of the founders and administrator and coach of the Babe Ruth League. He organized a fundamental basketball program for children and coached in both boys and girls recreational basketball programs and the girls’ softball program.
In his retirement he enjoyed his weekly golfing group, his breakfasts and lunches with good loyal friends, UConn basketball and football and the Yankees. He was kept busy attending every grandchild's sports game, dance recital, band concert, school play, art show or award night.
A product of a good-willed and religious upbringing, John was very active in the parish activities at St. Bernard Church, enrolling his six children in their school, becoming a member of the school board, Parish Council president, and serving as a lector and usher at Sunday Mass.
His kind heart guided him to be concerned for others in need and demonstrated that as a driver for both the Cancer Society and the Veterans Administration, as a reader in the Vernon Reads program, sorting books at the Historical Society Book Fair, and by volunteering whenever and wherever needed.
His family was the most important part of his life. There was not a thing existing in this world that brought him brighter joy than having family around him and being able to be a part of his grandchildren's lives. The titles of Dad and Grandpa were his greatest accomplishments. He knew he was blessed ....and we were too.
Besides his loving wife of 61years, he is survived and deeply missed by his six children and their spouses: Rebecca Daigle of Vernon, Sheryl (Gregory) Switaj of Michigan, Mary Norton of Ellington, Christine Daigle (Howard) Friedman of Ellington, Jean (John) Cerniglia of Plainville, and John (Laura) Daigle Jr. of Ellington. He was also the proud and loving grandpa to 16 grandchildren and their spouses: Matthew Teubner, Stephanie {Eric) McCracken, Paul (Erin)Switaj, Sarah Switaj, Caryn Switaj, Gregory Norton, Erin (Aaron) Norton, Brendan Norton, Jacob Friedman, Benjamin Friedman, Caroline Friedman, Rachel Friedman, Tyler Hernandez, Tate Hernandez, Timothy Daigle, and William Daigle and his first great-grandchild Elizabeth Switaj.
John is also survived by his sister Carmella (Bea) Philipp and her husband Allen of Tolland and many special nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his sisters Nanette, Loretta and Jacqueline, and his brothers Frank, Rosario, Valier, Bertrand, Hermel, Bernard, Bernadin and Eugene. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Vernon Manor for all their kindness, compassion, and support. Relatives and friends are welcome to join the family from 4-7 pm on Monday, February 22, 2016 at the Burke-Fortin Funeral Home, 76 Prospect St., Rockville, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at St. Bernard Church, Rockville, CT. Burial will follow at St. Bernard Cemetery in Rockville, CT. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made American Heart Association, 5 Brookside Drive, PO Box 5022, Wallingford, CT 06492. For online condolences please visit: www.pietrasfuneralhome.com.
Born February 12, 1933 in Fort Kent, Maine to the late Joseph & Leonie (Bouthot) Daigle, he became a hard worker picking potatoes on the family farm while maintaining his friendly nature. The family moved here when he was four to manage tobacco/potato farms but moved back to Maine after his father was killed in a tragic truck accident. He returned to Connecticut for good when he was ten only to barely escape the 1944 Hartford Circus fire a year later by sliding down a rope with his brother and sister.
A long-time local resident, he was a graduate of Rockville High School class of 1950 and a member of their varsity basketball and baseball teams while remaining active in student council, organizing the annual class reunions until a few years ago. After a semester of college, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War where he met the love of his life and married in April 1954. Once discharged, he worked at the American Dye Mill at night and attended UConn during the day pursuing a BS degree in Business while still supporting his family. Upon receiving his degree began a long career at The Travelers Companies. Along the way he became a Certified Employee Benefits Specialist while earning his MBA degree from the University of Connecticut. He was in various positions in Asset Management and Pension Services until retiring as Vice President after 33 years of service.
John became active in local politics working for what he believed was good for the town and good for the people of the town. He was elected to the last Board of Selectmen and worked on the consolidation of the City of Rockville and Vernon Fire District, then was elected to the Town Council, and Justice of the Peace. He was appointed Town Treasurer, Deputy Registrar of Voters, and Director of Greater Hartford Transit Authority. He served on six Charter Revision Commissions, Charter and Consolidation Commission, Town Pension Board, Economic Development Commission, Social Services Advisory Board, Citizens Advisory Group for Nuclear Waste Site, Rockville Zoning Board of Appeals, Redevelopment Agency and Recreation Commissions for Rockville and Vernon. He was a four-time Republican Town Chairman. He was a member of the Rockville Elks #1359 and the American Legion Post 14.
His interest in sports was kept active as a player-coach of baseball, softball and basketball teams in the town recreation leagues. He was one of the founders and administrator and coach of the Babe Ruth League. He organized a fundamental basketball program for children and coached in both boys and girls recreational basketball programs and the girls’ softball program.
In his retirement he enjoyed his weekly golfing group, his breakfasts and lunches with good loyal friends, UConn basketball and football and the Yankees. He was kept busy attending every grandchild's sports game, dance recital, band concert, school play, art show or award night.
A product of a good-willed and religious upbringing, John was very active in the parish activities at St. Bernard Church, enrolling his six children in their school, becoming a member of the school board, Parish Council president, and serving as a lector and usher at Sunday Mass.
His kind heart guided him to be concerned for others in need and demonstrated that as a driver for both the Cancer Society and the Veterans Administration, as a reader in the Vernon Reads program, sorting books at the Historical Society Book Fair, and by volunteering whenever and wherever needed.
His family was the most important part of his life. There was not a thing existing in this world that brought him brighter joy than having family around him and being able to be a part of his grandchildren's lives. The titles of Dad and Grandpa were his greatest accomplishments. He knew he was blessed ....and we were too.
Besides his loving wife of 61years, he is survived and deeply missed by his six children and their spouses: Rebecca Daigle of Vernon, Sheryl (Gregory) Switaj of Michigan, Mary Norton of Ellington, Christine Daigle (Howard) Friedman of Ellington, Jean (John) Cerniglia of Plainville, and John (Laura) Daigle Jr. of Ellington. He was also the proud and loving grandpa to 16 grandchildren and their spouses: Matthew Teubner, Stephanie {Eric) McCracken, Paul (Erin)Switaj, Sarah Switaj, Caryn Switaj, Gregory Norton, Erin (Aaron) Norton, Brendan Norton, Jacob Friedman, Benjamin Friedman, Caroline Friedman, Rachel Friedman, Tyler Hernandez, Tate Hernandez, Timothy Daigle, and William Daigle and his first great-grandchild Elizabeth Switaj.
John is also survived by his sister Carmella (Bea) Philipp and her husband Allen of Tolland and many special nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his sisters Nanette, Loretta and Jacqueline, and his brothers Frank, Rosario, Valier, Bertrand, Hermel, Bernard, Bernadin and Eugene. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Vernon Manor for all their kindness, compassion, and support. Relatives and friends are welcome to join the family from 4-7 pm on Monday, February 22, 2016 at the Burke-Fortin Funeral Home, 76 Prospect St., Rockville, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at St. Bernard Church, Rockville, CT. Burial will follow at St. Bernard Cemetery in Rockville, CT. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made American Heart Association, 5 Brookside Drive, PO Box 5022, Wallingford, CT 06492. For online condolences please visit: www.pietrasfuneralhome.com.
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