John I. Nahornick

Groton - On Monday, Aug. 19, 2013, John I. Nahornick passed away peacefully after a week of visits from family, friends, and loved ones from near and far.

Born on June 27, 1960, John was the sixth child and third son of Doris (Kilpatrick) Nahornick and Andrew W. Nahornick Jr. John grew up in Groton and graduated from Fitch Senior High School, class of 1979. Following graduation, he was a dedicated employee at Electric Boat for over 32 years.

Known for his generous heart and gregarious laugh, John found great pleasure in his family and his community. When not socializing at the old Bess Eaton on Route 184 or at Dunkin' Donuts, he spent time as a member of many local organizations. As a proud volunteer at the Poquonnock Bridge Fire Department, he was affectionately known as "John Boy" and would selflessly aid those in need when an emergency arose. He also worked with the primary youth and the Cub Scouts at his church.

Never one to miss a party, his presence will most definitely be missed at family gatherings. He attended countless birthday, holiday, anniversary, reunion and retirement parties, happily taking pictures and capturing the moments that we treasure and that made him smile from ear-to-ear. Spending time with his brothers and sisters and their families, he especially enjoyed the company of his many nieces and nephews and, more recently, great nieces and nephews. He would never hesitate to let them know how proud he was of them.

Over the last few years, John was able to make trips to visit his sisters in Georgia and Florida. Having a great time during each trip, he was torn as to which place he would enjoy better as a retirement locale. So as not to choose a favorite sister or upset his family in Connecticut, he opted to keep his roots here and just make visits to the out-of-towners.

Predeceased by his mother and father, John leaves a large family with broken hearts and a multitude of fond memories of the love and affection he had for everyone. Immediate family includes his sister, Sarah Nahornick Carroll and her husband, Butch, from The Villages, Fla.; his sister, Mary Nahornick Rusch and her husband, Chris, in Lawrenceville, Ga.; his brother, Andrew W. Nahornick III in Groton; his sister-in-law, Moreene Nahornick in Gales Ferry; his sister, Joan Nahornick Vernott and her husband, Mike, in North Stonington; and his brother, Michael S. Nahornick and his wife, Sharon, in Groton. Also missing him are his 14 nieces and nephews and 11 great nieces and nephews, as well as his extended family and the untold number of friends he made along the way.

Visiting hours will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Byles-Groton Memorial Home, 310 Thames St. His service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1230 Flanders Road, Mystic. Burial will follow at Smith Lake Cemetery in Groton.

Donations may be made in his name to the Care and Share Soup Kitchen, c/o Pleasant Valley Community of Prayer & Praise, 20 Grove Ave., Groton, CT 06340, where volunteering gave him tremendous joy. Donations may also be directed to the American Lung Assoc., 45 Ash St., East Hartford, CT 06108-3272.

Please visit www.byles.com for directions, to sign his guest book, or to share a memory.