John A. Cvejanovich

1953 - 2015

John A. Cvejanovich, 62, of Wilmington, NC, formerly of South Windsor, CT, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 21, 2015, in Wilmington. He was the son of George J. Cvejanovich Sr., now of Bryan, TX, and the late Ruth (Mundinger) Cvejanovich. Along with his father, he leaves his children, Amanda Grace of Wilmington, NC, and Robby Curtis Cvejanovich of East Hartford, CT; his brothers, George Jr. and his wife Sue of Miami Shores, FL, Robert of Alexandria, VA, and Ken and his wife Monica of Kingwood, TX, plus numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, including Susan Mundinger LaBrecque and her family of Cheshire, CT. John also leaves his friend and former wife of 26 years, BethAnne Curtis, now of Carolina Beach, NC, plus his close friend, Caroline King, now of Glastonbury, CT. John and his twin brother Robert were born on May 28, 1953 in Baton Rouge, LA, but all 4 brothers grew up in Aruba. John attended Phillips-Exeter and Kimball Union Academies, both in NH, graduating from the latter in 1970. He graduated from Tulane University in 1974, double-majoring in Math and Political Science, and from the LSU Law Center in 1977. He was a trial lawyer in Louisiana for 10 years, and in Massachusetts and Connecticut for the next 25. In the last few years of his career, he assisted families with special needs children. John and his former wife raised their two children in South Windsor, CT, where he was well known for his over-the-top Halloween and Christmas displays on Tumblebrook Drive. He also served as his son's Cub Scout Den Leader, actively encouraged his daughter's numerous artistic talents, and sang in his church choir for almost 20 years--although he conceded his singing was usually in "the Key of John". John lived his life in that Key, possessing a Mensa-level IQ, writing and reciting poetry, and developing a keen talent for oil painting. In 2011, his paintings were shown for a month at the South Windsor Public Library, and they now hang in homes from Massachusetts to Texas. Finally, John was a grateful Friend of Bill W. for over 31 years. John's health began to deteriorate after a 2011 car accident. After retiring, John moved to NC in 2013, and attended UNC Wilmington part-time, planning to teach high school physics if his health improved. While there, he won a student art competition--his painting now hangs outside the Chancellor's office. His greatest joys were painting and reciting his poetry at open-mic nights. Sadly, John's health problems multiplied, causing him to leave us. There are no calling hours. A celebration of John's life will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2015, 1 pm, at the Wapping Community Church, 1790 Ellington Rd., South Windsor, CT; reception to follow at the Church. All attendees are encouraged to bring any of John's paintings they own, to display at the service. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a trust fund for John's disabled son Robby, to cover his future living and educational expenses. Checks payable to the Robby C. Cvejanovich Disability Fund and mailed to Windsor Federal Savings, ATTN: Customer Service Department, 250 Broad Street, Windsor, CT 06095, would be most appreciated. Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home in South Windsor has care of the arrangements. For a full obituary listing, and for online condolences and guest book, please visit us at www.CarmonFuneralHome.com.