Photo courtesy of Byles Memorial Home - New London
New London, Connecticut
Jan 15, 1938 – Sep 26, 2020 (Age 82)
John N. Rollo, 82 of Groton died Saturday September 26, 2020 at Pendleton Health and Rehabilitation Center in Stonington, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Born January 15, 1938 in Chicago, John was the only child of John and Jean Moran Rollo.
John was a veteran of the Vietnam War, where he honorably served his country in the US Navy for 24 years, until he retired as a Chief Petty Officer. During his service he would travel the world on numerous cruisers and destroyers.
It was during this time he met and married the love of his life, Patricia Dooley while stationed in Massachusetts. John and Pat were happily married for 56 years, raising 3 daughters up and down the east coast until they settled in Connecticut when John’s service was over and he retained employment at General Dynamics as an engineer.
He and Pat were devout members of Sacred Heart Church in Groton. They could always be found there during Mass, performing in the choir or being volunteers at different church events, including marriage encounter. John tirelessly supported and happily attended to all of Patricia’s needs with her failing eyesight. He would be overheard explaining situations and circumstances, giving her a visual image of her grandchildren’s sporting events, family gatherings, and life occasions so she could enjoy it too. He always had a smile on his face, had a navy story to tell and a way with words that would send his children into hysterics. He loved his wife, daughters and grandchildren very much and will be dearly missed.
Besides his wife Patricia, he is survived by three daughters: Kerry Rollo-Egan and her fiancé Arthur C. Howard II, Kimberlee Passalugo and her husband Ronnie and Kelly Rollo-Weber and her husband Scott; 6 Grandchildren: Lieutenant Joseph R. Passalugo and his wife Rie ; Nicholas Passalugo; Petty Officer Kyle Egan; Devin Weber and Brighid Weber; Great Granddaughter Emma Passalugo; 3 Godchildren and many nieces and nephews He was preceded in death by his grandson AJ Passalugo in 2009.
A Visitation is scheduled from 4:00pm – 6:00pm Tuesday October 6, 2020 at Byles Groton Memorial Home 310 Thames Street in Groton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30AM Wednesday October 7, 2020 at Sacred Heart Church, 56 Sacred Heart Drive in Groton. Military honors will be rendered after Mass at Colonel Ledyard Cemetery in Groton. COVID 19 protocol is in effect for all events. Masks must be worn and social distancing will be enforced. This service will be available on LIVESTREAM. Please use Zoom ID# 869 0398 2008. You MUST mute your device while watching.
In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John’s memory to Sacred Heart Parish, 56 Sacred Heart Drive, Groton, CT 06340
Read MoreJust heard of John passing away --- What a great leader (and friend) of the "Radio Shack" when I served with him on the USS Leahy 1961-1965 --- His Shipmates will miss him --- I will pass the word --- Bless His Family ---
James Beckmann
November 15, 2021 | Baxter, MN | Military
Kerry, very sorry to hear about John's passing. We were lucky to have John and Patti as neighbors for the short time we did. John's had such a positive resilient spirit and took such good care of Patti. We will miss him.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Ray
October 10, 2020 | Groton, CT | Neighbor
Kim, so sorry to hear about your fathers passing. Although I never met him, while reading his obituary he sounded like a nice man. Your family is in my prayers and here are some squeezies to help you feel better
Benjamin Clow
October 07, 2020 | Sandwich, MA | Friend
Kim, so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Even though I never met him, while I was reading his obituary he seemed like a nice person. Your family is in my prayers. Here are some squeezies to help make you feel better
Benjamin Clow
October 07, 2020 | Friend
Dear Kerry and family, I tried to attend John's funeral Mass on Zoom but it did not show anything. Please know that I am praying for you all. Blessings to all of John's family.
Jude Ebbinghaus
October 07, 2020 | Groton, CT
He was a man of character who did everything that was asked of him in life. He and Patti were blessed in each other and a shining example of marital fidelity on their journey to God. Rest in Peace my friend.
George Gauthier
October 06, 2020 | Groton, CT | Friend
Always Bouquet - VASE INCLUDED
Deborah Galligan
October 05, 2020
Kerry my thoughts are with you at this time and to your family.
Rick Mears
Rick Mears
October 02, 2020 | Groton, CT | Friend
Auntie Patty, Kerry, Kim, Kelly and famy our heartfelt condolences and prayers to you all at this most difficult time. May you find some comfort in your memories. RIP Uncle Johnny. Thank you for your service. Hugs.
Joanne and Paul Cherry
October 01, 2020 | Norfolk, VA | Family