John Allan Bysko

7/1/1946 - 10/3/2024

Old Lyme - John Allan Bysko, 78, passed away unexpectedly Oct. 3, 2024, while at work. He was born July 1, 1946, in a displaced persons camp in Hamburg, Germany. His parents and sister fled from their home in Ukraine during World War II. They came to the United States via Ellis Island when he was five years old.

He grew up in West Hartford attending Hall High, excelling as a track star, as well as in academics. He graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Business Administration with a Bachelor of Science in accounting. He became a certified financial planner in 1987, and a certified public accountant in 1988. Prior to going into private practice, he was a vice president and head of Trust and Private Banking for Connecticut Bank and Trust Company, which at the time was the largest commercial bank in Connecticut. For a short time he worked out of his family home, but quickly he needed a bigger space and 100 Halls Road became his second home. He was dedicated to his clients, many relationships spanning decades. He truly cared for them and many became dear friends. He quietly cared for many.

A friend introduced him to Jane Barry in February 1969. They were engaged in July and married in December. John leaves to mourn Jane and their three children, Jennifer Bysko, John Bysko Jr. and Jillian (Glen) Bobowicz; as well as his five grandchildren: Brody, Ella, Noah, Elias and Owen. He was predeceased by his parents, Motria and Wasyl Byczko; as well as his sister Lucy Leavenworth, who passed away just seven days prior. He also leaves behind his niece Jolene Crane; and nephew James Leavenworth.

He lived in Old Lyme for the past 48 years and was passionate about the community and local politics. He proudly served as Town Treasurer, on the Board of Assessment Appeals, the committee for the renovation of the Town Hall, on the RTC for 20 years and as treasurer for several local political campaigns.

John joined New London Rotary in 1987, and remained an active member until the day he passed away, after Rotary on a Thursday. John served on the Board of Directors for both the New London Rotary Club and Foundation. As the long-time sergeant-at-arms, John was one of the first people to warmly greet members and guests before each weekly meeting. John has been recognized by the club with a Distinguished Service/Paul Harris Fellow Award three times, acknowledging the important service he provided to the club and community of New London. His service to New London also included serving on the New London Symphony Board and the steering committee to form what is now the Community Foundation of Southeastern Connecticut.

The Rotary motto of "Service Above Self" was an apt saying for a man who sought to make the community and the world a better place. John confided to a member after one meeting that Rotary fulfilled his view of what is best in the world - people of all faiths and philosophies coming together through Rotary to become friends while working for the common good.

He liked to collect stamps, always searching for a hidden gem. He was an avid fan of the UConn women's basketball team. He enjoyed attending games at Mohegan Sun and trying his luck on penny slots. He played setback on Wednesdays in Rhode Island. He went to Rotary every Thursday. He enjoyed the warm waters of the Caribbean. He loved his family beyond words, working tirelessly and showing them the true definition of the American dream. He was a first generation American who came from nothing and paved his own way to success. He would say that "There's little stuff and there's big stuff and most of it is little stuff. Worry about the big stuff." We will do our best Dad.

Calling hours will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, at Fulton Theroux Funeral Home, 13 Beckwith Lane in Old Lyme. A gathering in John's honor will be planned for a later date. Please visit www.fultontherouxoldlyme.com for tributes and directions.