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John Menna Obituary
Born in New Haven, Conn., John attended University of Connecticut and received master's degrees from Southern Connecticut State College and University of Bridgeport.
John was a dedicated member of the Greenwich school system for more than 35 years, first as a teacher and counselor at Greenwich High School, and later as the first director of student activities in GHS's current location. He was instrumental in developing and administering the GHS work-study program. John is also well known as the longtime announcer for all the GHS home football games.
In addition, he was active in the Cos Cob Rotary Club, where he served a term as president.
John was a Eucharistic minister and lector at St. Mary Parish, St. Catherine's Church in Greenwich and at St. Joan of Arc Church in Orleans.
John married Joan Telerico of Greenwich in 1960. For almost 50 years, they spent winters in Greenwich and summers at Brewster Park Club on Cape Cod. They became full-time residents of Brewster after John's retirement in the early 1990s.
John took an active interest in his children and he attended nearly every one of their activities and sporting events, a tradition that he continued with his grandchildren. John loved holidays, birthdays and any occasions when he was surrounded by his family and friends.
John is survived by his four children, their spouses, and 10 grandchildren, Nancy (Menna) and David Machesney and their children Christopher and Emily of Cumberland, Maine; Joan (Menna) and Keith Fowler and their children Kaitlyn and Brett of London, England; John and Linda Menna and their children Chase, Collin, Cameron and Callie of Alpharetta, Ga.; and Peter and Kelly Menna and their children Grace Anne and Sophia of Scottsdale, Ariz. He is also survived by a brother, Joseph Menna of Southington, Conn.; and a sister, Raye Vandermalen of Hamden, Conn.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Brewster Fire and Rescue, 1657 Main St., Brewster, MA 02631, or Hospice & Palliative Care of Cape Cod, 765 Attucks Lane, Hyannis, MA 02601.
A memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday, July 29, at 10 a.m., at St. Joan of Arc Church, 61 Canal Road, Orleans.
Nickerson Funeral Home
508-255-0259
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Carolann and Randy Rich
August 15, 2008
Dear Joan and family - Randy and I just heard about John's death and we are deeply saddened. I'll always have fond memories of him as my 7th grade teacher at CJH and of you in my aerobic dance class in O.G. I've thought of you often and will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
John Driscoll
August 6, 2008
Dear Joan and family, Just heard of the passing of John from Lou Caravella. Claire and I send our deepest sympathy. I always remenber John as a class act. Cannot forget the good times we had with the Rotary functions and conferences as well as other get togethers. Our prayers will be with you and family
Michael Makarewicz
August 5, 2008
I taught with John for many years at GHS. John always had a kind word for everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of great sorrow.
Sandi Perez
August 4, 2008
To Aunt Joan and all my cousins,
I was so saddened to hear of Uncle John's passing but still have many fond memories of visits as a child. My deepest sympathy to the entire Menna family.
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Bob and Joyce Coughlin
August 2, 2008
Dear Joan and Family
We have just learned of John's passing from our son Michael.Please accept our prayers and condolences to the entire Menna family. Our memories are of much happier times, many years ago.
Scott Renkainen
August 1, 2008
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Mike & Stacey Andrea
August 1, 2008
Dear Joan and Family;
Stacey and I send our sincerest condolences, as we are very sad to hear the news of John's passing.
We will always remember John as a very kind, intelligent and thoughtful person. Additionally, I will fondly remember watching my dad enjoying wonderful times with John and Joan, and his Telerico cousins.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Love,
Mike and Stacey Andrea
Bob and Jenny Andrea
August 1, 2008
Dear Joan and Family,
We were very sorry to hear of John's passing. We extend our deepest sympathy to you during this difficult time. Our prayers are with you.
Henry Pildner
August 1, 2008
Mrs. Menna and Family,
Very sorry to have learned of the passing of Mr. Menna. My thoughts are with you.
Joanne Telerico
July 31, 2008
My dear cousin, John, the world will be a bit less kind and gentle without you. I cannot imagine your not being there. Joan, Joanie Sue, Nancy, John, Peter - my heart breaks for you. And my sadness is joined by Aunt Faith and my son and daughter-in-law, Brad and Kirstin Punu. It is a great sadness that I can not be with you to offer comfort but Aunt Faith can no longer travel and I am her full-time caregiver. Brad and Kirstin are still in Hong Kong. In life, John was enfolded in the arms of many who loved him dearly; in heaven, the angels will clamor to embrace him. We love you all.
Sue Hicks
July 31, 2008
I wanted to send along our deepest condolences. John was a great man and a wonderful friend to our Dad. It is with a very heavy heart that we say goodbye to him. Our love and thoughts are with you and your family at this time. Love, Susie and Joey (Dick's kids)
Linda Iazzetta
July 30, 2008
Dear Aunt Joan and family,
It is with a heavy heart that we send our condolences to all of you. We are terribly sorry for your loss and he will be missed by all of us.
Love,
Linda and Tony
Dave and Krista Troilo
July 30, 2008
Dear Joan and the entire Menna Family - So sorry to hear about John. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Gary and Diane Troilo
July 30, 2008
To Joan and Family,
Diane and I were very sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. You have a great family with a lot of memories that will help get you through this very difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love,
Eileen (Gallagher) Harrington
July 30, 2008
Dear Menna Family, I taught with John for 13 years in the '60's and '70's in Greenwich, and he was always affable, warm, and supportive to students and his colleagues. I will always remember him as young and vital, with a great sense of humor. My sympathies to Joan, his now adult children and their families and friends. Eileen Gallagher Harrington
Susan Keane
July 29, 2008
So sorry to read about John. My prayers and sympathy to you Joan and family.
Kim Sheldon
July 29, 2008
To The Menna Family - I am sorry for the loss of John - I was a student of his at GHS - he a great teacher - kind, helpful, compassionate and always there when you needed him - my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Judy (Kaye) Lentini
July 29, 2008
My deepest sympathy to all the members of the Menna family, and my unending gratitude for sharing your husband/father with all of us who were his students. It's been forty years since I sat in his classroom, and I still remember Mr. Menna as always incisive and often brilliant. He made a huge difference in the lives of many.
Lucy Galasso
July 29, 2008
To the Menna Family,
I taught with John at Greenwich High School. I remember him as a warm and caring man who was always concerned about his children. I was fortunate enough to teach two of them. He is in my thoughts and prayers.
Alan Hirschhorn
July 29, 2008
One of the things I fondly remember about my dear brother-in-law: no one could beat you in Trivial Pursuit.
You will be missed, John!
Alan
Gail Troilo
July 28, 2008
To Joan and her loving family,
David and I just wanted you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. It has been a difficult year and I know having your family with you was a comfort.I am sure John went in peace spending his last days surrounded by his loved ones.
All our love,
David and Gail
Joanne Iachetta
July 28, 2008
John will always hold a special place in our family's hearts. Truly a great member of society and yet a better friend. With deepest sympathy to the entire Menna family.
The Bernard Family (Dick, Janice, Sue and Joanne)
The Staff of Nickerson Funeral Home
July 28, 2008
We wish to extend our deepest sympathies at this difficult time.
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