John L. Fletcher, 76, entered into eternal rest on Monday, June 29, 2020 at home. Born in Springfield, son of the late Joseph and Evelyn (Field) Fletcher, he was a lifelong resident of Enfield and a 1961 graduate of Cathedral High School in Springfield. He was a 1966 graduate of American International College where he received his Masters Degree in History. He did one year of studies at the University of Honolulu where he met the late Dr. Martin Luther King. John taught in the Enfield School System at JFK Junior High School from 1970 to 2004 where he taught history and also started the Russian History Program. He retired in 2004. The 1990 yearbook at the school was dedicated to him. He was a member of the Enfield Teacher's Association, enjoyed gardening and was a communicant of St. Bernard's Church of St. Jeanne Jugan Parish. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Joseph Fletcher. He leaves his wife of fifty-three years, Pamela J. (Lane) Fletcher, two sons, Jeffrey L. Fletcher, Brian P. and his wife Josephine Fletcher, all of Enfield, and a granddaughter, Kelli Fletcher. Relatives and friends are invited to meet directly at St. Bernard's Church, 426 Hazard Avenue on Friday for a 10am Funeral Mass followed by burial in St. Patrick's King Street Cemetery. Guests are reminded to wear a face mask and keep appropriate distance. There are no calling hours. Browne Memorial Chapels is assisting the family. Donations may be made to St. Bernard's Church of St. Jeanne Jugan Parish, 426 Hazard Avenue, Enfield, CT. For online condolences, please visit www.brownefuneralchapels.com

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Published by Hartford Courant on Jul. 1, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for John Fletcher

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17 Entries

Angela Proto

April 29, 2025

Mr. Fletcher was one of the most influential teachers I had in high school. 9th grade "East Meets West" class was so much more than Russian history. It shaped my ability to analyze the world around me, and contextualized the evils we observe in the actions of many leaders.

From a teaching standpoint, Mr. Fletcher was leading the way in differentiated instruction with his Green and Gold tests. He showed his students that if you can push yourself more, you should, even if you don't get any extra reward or extra points. His actions taught me that learning is worth it at whatever level you can reach and that the grade you get or the points you get is not as important as growing your view of the world.

Mr. Fletcher was truly a diamond and an inspiration for me when I became a teacher.

The quiet kid in the back

September 1, 2023

I attended Mr. Fletcher's Russian History class. He brought the past alive in a way few history teachers are able, and it was a privilege to have experienced the Romanov dynasty through his vision. He once told a couple of us, after class, that he felt Dostoyevsky had discovered the meaning of life, and put it in one of his books: but he wouldn't tell us which one. He wanted us to discover it for ourselves.

I Googled his name today, to see if I could find him: to tell him, if I could, that I think I found what he meant. Alas, time has robbed me of the satisfaction; but not the memory.

Rest well, good sir.

Kathy Vosburgh Leuze

November 17, 2022

I have often thought of Mr Fletcher. He was my Russian history teacher at JFK about 1975-76. He was a wonderful teacher, gentle speaking yet passionate, thoughtful yet stern when necessary. As a young teenager, to remember a teacher and for that teacher to have a lasting positive impression is saying something. Thank you to his family and sorry for your loss of seemingly a much beloved person. KVL

Sheree Winans

July 2, 2020

I am so sorry for your loss. I had Mr. Fletcher for Russian History at Enfield high school. He was a very kind man and one of my favorite teachers! I will keep you all in my prayers.
Warmly,
Sheree Nuccio Winans
EHS 87

Susan Devine

July 2, 2020

Mr. Fletcher conveyed a true life long love of learning. In his Russian History class freshman year, in addition to to the subject matter, he taught us how to take notes, study for tests, and make history fun. I will never forget.

Napoleon

July 2, 2020

Great character and wonderful teacher. I looked forward to Russian history all the time. I loved the way he would peek through the blinds before telling us something that the KGB might get upset with. Great memories!

William (Gordon) Goodwin

July 2, 2020

I took his class in 1976, it was one of my best memories from Kennedy Jr. High!! I still have these gift certificates that I won on his class for trivia questions on Russian History, and after 44 years, I still have them!!

WInona RIchardson

July 2, 2020

Mr. Fletcher was my very favorite teacher, ever. He was so passionate about Russian History - I was so excited to take his class when I got to high school. He was so thoughtful and kind and inspired a passion for the subject that every one of his students carried with them for always. I was very fortunate to meet his delightful cousins when he referred me as a babysitter for their children. I will never forget him.

Matt Prentiss

July 2, 2020

Mr. Fletcher was the kind of teacher you hope your kids will have. He had a rare ability to bring his subject matter to life. While I was not the best student, I was always on time for his class, just waiting to hear what happened next. Requiem en pace Mr. Fletcher, you were loved.

Wendy Zocco-Doyle

July 2, 2020

Mr. Fletcher was one of the most interesting and passionate teachers. He was born to teach. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this very sad time.

Pam Weidl

July 2, 2020

Incredibly sorry for your loss. One of my most memorable teachers. RIP Mr Fletcher.

Jason Richard

July 2, 2020

Absolutely loved his class. So entertaining, educational, fun class. For a freshman at a new school he made it easy to adjust and learn. He will be missed. If his wife and children read this, know his impact on all his students will last a lifetime.

Alaine V. Lagasse

July 2, 2020

Absolutely loved Mr Fletcher's Russian History class. One of my favorite teachers of all time. Thank you!

Erin Dyjak Bamford

July 2, 2020

He is the most memorable and best teacher and class (Russian History -JFK) I ever took. Simply fascinating! Sincere condolences to the Fletcher family.

Sandy (Vallee) Robinson

July 2, 2020

Mr. Fletcher inspired my lifelong interest in history. He was a wonderful teacher. My older brother, Jim Vallee, was fortunate enough to travel with him to Russia. I am glad to have known him. My condolences to his family.

Cindy Maznicki

July 2, 2020

My heart is so sad to hear of his passing! He was truly one of the nicest, most interesting teachers who always knew how to fascinate his students with his teaching techniques! Truly my all time favorite and that was many years ago! May he Rest In Peace, and may God comfort his family and loved ones.

Wini Kuraitis

July 1, 2020

So sad to learn of John's passing. My condolences to his family.

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