John A. Tomasiewicz

John A. Tomasiewicz, 94, of Weston, CT, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at Norwalk Hospital after complications from COVID-19. He had been the loving husband of Claire (Mackenzie) Tomasiewicz for over 70 years.

John was born in Plantsville, CT on September 17, 1926, one of seven, to the late Antoni Frank and Maryanne (Mezia) Tomasiewicz.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Air Force during WWII. John founded TEC Industries in 1972 and successfully operated the firm until his retirement in 2006. John was an engineer’s engineer. He received his Mechanical Engineering degree from Pratt Institute (’49) on the GI Bill and applied his skills/knowledge to his work and all facets of his life. He loved to solve problems and took great joy in providing the least expensive solution that would work. He single handedly designed and built a family vacation cabin on Kelsey’s Island, Branford (including floating the material to the island - of course, he built the boat) that is still in use today by his grandchildren. He could solve any problem.

He took great pleasure in family. He was keenly interested in knowing the activities of every child, grandchild and great grandchild, as well as their respective mates. He is, and always will be referred to as Ja, Dad, Pop, Grandpa, Pop-Pop, and Be-bop.

He also fancied himself a master vegetable gardener, constantly tinkering with mulching, watering, pruning, and fertilizing - always ready to offer advice on the "best way". Engineering techniques were applied to an ongoing ground game with woodchucks.

As a younger man he was a drummer in a polka band and a jazz quartet, as well as the Southington Community Orchestra. He had a great love for classical music and showed an uncanny memory for obscure pieces after hearing only a few notes: “Isn’t that Paderewski’s Minuet in G?” This passion for music was instilled in all of his children and grandchildren.

He was close to being the perfect man. Smart, curious, handsome, always positive, subtly funny, never used bad language, never complained, and always available. He was devoted to his wife, Claire and performed as her primary caregiver for the past 10 years. We will never forget this special man who impacted so many lives. Spoczywaj w pokoju.

In addition to his wife Claire, John is survived by his six children: Ann Marie Persico of Venice, FL; John Tomasiewicz and wife Kate of Milford; Stephen Tomasiewicz and wife Mary of Newtown; Claire Beth Nogay and husband Richard of Caldwell, NJ; Ellen Tomasiewicz of Naples, FL and Mary Ruth Tomasiewicz of Old Greenwich; nine grandchildren; Hilarie Tomasiewicz, Maggie Ferrari (Mike), Annie Palacci (Henri), Stephen Tomasiewicz (Carrie), Lauren Street (Matt), Keith Nogay, Kim Bunting (Brian), Emily Tomasiewicz and George Persico (Kathryn); ten great-grandchildren; Luke, Ellie, Henry, Ben, Pierre, Matt, Evie, Philippe, Bryn and Kira and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his six siblings, Mary, Tony, Frank, Mike, Edward and Chester.

A Mass of Christian Burial at the Immaculate Conception Church in Plantsville will be celebrated privately. Family and friends are welcome to attend a graveside service at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at South End Cemetery, 200 South End Rd, Southington. Face coverings and social distancing are required at all times. A celebration of John’s life will be announced and held at a later date. Plantsville Funeral Home has been entrusted with handling the arrangements. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com