John Jay Waniga

WANIGA John Jay Waniga, age 95, of Milford and Simsbury, passed away peacefully after a long and wonderful life filled with his family and many friends. He died at McLean Health Center in Simsbury. John was predeceased by his loving wife, Mary Taran Waniga; and his brothers, Howard, Peter, Nicholas and Fred; and his sister, Rose Edgerton. John was born July 4, 1910 in Ansonia, to the late Joseph and Tekla (Zawada) Waniga. He is survived by his daughters, Cynthia and her husband, Alex Jamieson and Marilyn and her husband, Tom Iezzi; four grandchildren, Matt Jamieson, Jeff Iezzi, Alan Jamieson and Jennifer Iezzi DiSette; five great-grandchildren, Alex and Ann Jamieson, Nele Iezzi and Andrew and Zachary DiSette. John graduated from Ansonia High School in 1929 and received his BS degree from Stout Institute, The University of Wisconsin in 1933. His love of teaching prompted him to get his MA in education from the University of Bridgeport. John was a very active member in the Three Saints Russian Orthodox Church. He was one of the organizers of the Three Saints Sunday School program and was an active member of the Church "R Club" involved in theatrical and musical activities. He also initiated the building of the Russian Orthodox Church in Dallas, Texas. After graduating from Stout, John was employed as an Industrial Arts teacher by the Ansonia School System. During World War II, he was employed by Sikorsky Aircraft and later Chance Vought in Stratford and in Dallas, Texas. Later, he and his family returned to Milford and he worked for Avco Corporation before he returned to teaching in Ansonia Pine High School until he retired in 1979. He will be remembered as a dedicated and loving husband, father and grandfather. John was a talented teacher and craftsman who built his home in Milford and enjoyed making furniture and craft items. His family will receive friends in Jenkins-King Funeral Home, 12 Franklin Street, Ansonia, on Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Three Saints Orthodox Church in Ansonia on Friday at 10 a.m. Burial will be at the family plot in Three Saints Cemetery at a later date. A Parastas Service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in John's name to Three Saints Orthodox Church, 26 Howard Avenue, Ansonia, CT 06401. John's family expresses sincere gratitude to the staff at McLean Health Center for the kindness and excellent care provided to John and his family.