John F. Golger

GOLGER John F. Golger, age 88 of Fairfield, beloved husband of Marjorie Golger, passed away Sunday, March 9, 2008 at the Carolton Convale-scent Home after a brief illness. John was born and raised in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport and was a graduate of Bassick High School. He was predeceased by his mother, Rose and his father, John (both of Bridgeport). John is survived by his wife of 53 years, the former Marjorie Barry, as well as his three children; J. Kevin Golger and his wife, Peggie (of Fairfield); Eileen Whalen and her husband, Dennis (of Fairfield), and; Robert Golger and his wife, Denise (of Trumbull). He leaves five adoring grandchildren who will miss him dearly; Brian, Christopher and Molly Golger and Heather and Kelly Whelan. He also leaves two sisters, Mary Giannino (of Trumbull) and Gertrude Call (of Speculator, New York) He also leaves many nieces and nephews of whom he was especially fond. John lead a remarkably full life that was punctuated with friends, family, faith, travel and learning. Upon graduating from High School, John joined the United Sates Army and served in the South Pacific where he achieved the rank of Sergeant and received multiple bronze stars for the campaigns his unit was involved in. After the war, John was admitted to Harvard University, where he graduated in three years, cum laude (class of 1948). He continued his studies by attending the University of Michigan Law School and Columbia University, where he earned a masters degree and also met his future wife (who was also enrolled in graduate studies). John spent most of his professional career working locally at AVCO/Textron, Lycoming division, where he was manager of business policies and procedures. He was a past president of the Association of Systems Management. John had many interests in life and was a devoted husband and father. He especially loved music. He was the manager of the Harvard Radcliffe Orchestra and a member of the Pierian Sodality (the oldest symphonic group in the United States).John played violin with the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra and enjoyed attending concerts whenever the opportunity arose. John had an active retirement, traveling with his wife and rooting for his grandchildren in their many endeavors. He spent several years as an adjunct professor at Southern Connecticut State University and Fairfield University and most recently was a member of the steering committee on lifelong learning at the Fairfield Senior Center. John was a member of the Fairfield County Gaelic American Club and loved all things Irish. A devoted husband and father, John was a great role model for all who looked up to him. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at 10 a.m. meeting directly at St. Thomas Aquinas Church 1719 Post Road, Fairfield. Interment will follow in Oak Lawn cemetery. Friends may call Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield. For information or to offer an online condolence please visit www. spearmillerfuneralhome.com.