John W. Schuster

John Schuster, age 80, of Mystic, CT passed away on June 19, 2021 after a brief battle with cancer.

Born in Dubuque, Iowa, on April 24, 1941, he was the son of William and Marian Schuster.  John entered the Navy shortly after graduation from high school and served on the submarines Odax, Thomas Edison, and James K. Polk.  He was a member of the Holland Club, honoring servicemen who qualified on submarines more than 50 years ago.

After leaving the Navy, John enrolled at UConn and received bachelors’ degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Business.  He worked at Stone & Webster in Boston, Electric Boat, and Tracor.  He retired from Yale University School of Medicine as a Project Manager in 2007.

John was an avid model railroader and enjoyed going to many train shows in CT and MA throughout the year. He and his wife Jan traveled extensively, both in the U.S. and abroad.  He was a long-time member of the Mystic Congregational Church, serving on various committees.  He was also a member of the UConn Alumni Southeast Network and enjoyed watching both the Men’s and Women’s basketball games.  He loved dining out, reggae music, photography, attending movies and plays, and visiting with family as often as possible.  He also volunteered at the Penguin Exhibit at Mystic Aquarium for many years.

John is survived by his wife of 53 years and his beloved daughters Jennifer Wachen and Julie DeVasto, both of Massachusetts.  He is also survived by his sons-in-law Matthew Wachen and Brian DeVasto, whom he loved like sons.  His grandchildren, William and Oliver Wachen, were the light of his life, and he enjoyed spending time with them and “playing trains”.  He will also miss special kisses from his grandpuppy Pedro.

Other survivors include his sister-in-law Judith Schuster of Minnesota and brother-in-law Fred Kotfer of Groton, as well as many nieces and nephews and their families.  He was predeceased by his parents, his in-laws, and his brother William.

Special thanks are extended to the Hartford Hospital Hospice Care team of nurses Julie and Kat and the special attention provided by the compassionate care of his aide Kayla.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at 11:00 at the Mystic Congregational Church, Main Street.  Reception to follow.    

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society either online or by calling 1-800-227-2345.