John R Mansfield, 72, of Killingworth, CT entered into peaceful rest on October 25, 2022 from Lewy Body Dementia surrounded by his loving family & friends. John was born March 4, 1950 in New Haven, CT to the late Russell and Barbara Mansfield. John is survived by his loving wife Linda of 51 years. His sons David (Stephanie) of Clinton, CT and Michael (Sovina) of Leeds, MA. His adoring and adored grandchildren Ryan, Jason, Anna and Will.
John was predeceased by his parents Russell and Barbara of Nantucket, his brother Thomas of CA, and his great nephew Owen Vatter of CA. He is survived by his sisters Kathryn Griffith (Ron) of Clinton CT, Patricia O’Brien (Gary) of Feeding Hills, MA, brothers Robert of North Branford, ,CT and William (Eileen) of Marston’s Mills, MA.
John grew up in North Branford. He graduated from North Branford High School in 1968. After high school he entered the USAF being stationed in Texas, Illinois, New Hampshire, Virginia, Thailand & Taiwan. He met his wife in high school and married in 1971. After the service they moved back to CT and John graduated from South Central Community College all the while working a full time job and raising their two sons. He worked for LABCO Welding for 42 years. John and his Dad built his home in Guilford where John and his family lived for 30 years. In 2016 they downsized and moved to Killingworth. He retired from LABCO in 2019.
John loved camping in New Hampshire with his siblings and their families. He became known as Camper Johnny for his campfires. For many years he enjoyed going to Nantucket to visit his parents. He traveled to Oregon, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, North Carolina, Florida, Jamaica, St Lucia and up into Canada with his wife. He enjoyed spending time in Disney World with his grandchildren. His favorite trip was to Gloucester MA with his sons and their families where he pretended to run on water with his grandkids. John will be missed at the thirty one table especially by his surrogate kids Kim Lendroth and and PJ O'Malley. He was a soft spoken quiet gentle man, but always ready for a fun time. He was always willing to help or build something for someone. As long as the people around him were happy he was happy. He had a quick wit and was known for his one liners. Even in his last week he had his nurses laughing. He enjoyed his vacations and fun times with his friends of 50 years Rob & Donna Angiollo, and his Friday lunches with his lifelong friends Carl & Nancy Harrison.
John will be sorely missed by his loving extended Mansfield, Griffith, Pierpont, Lendroth, O’Malley, O'Brien, Grayson families, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Heaven has gained a shining star.
In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter 11 Cherry Hill Rd, Branford, CT 06405
Visitation will be held Wednesday November 2, 2022 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Keenan’s Funeral Home, 330 Notch Hill Rd, North Branford, CT with military honors.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of John R. Mansfield, please visit our Tree Store.