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John Liljestrand Obituary

John A. Liljestrand, 87, of Prospect, passed away peacefully at Vitas IPU on Wednesday, August 31, 2022. He was the loving husband of Donna (Bondy) Liljestrand for 61 wonderful years. John was the last living child of Edwin and Margaret (Winblah) Liljestrand in Shrewsbury, Mass. John lived a full and wonderful life. He was a proud graduate of Bates College, ultimately, he earned a 7th year degree in Education. John taught Biology at Pulaski High School where he also coached football and baseball. John leaves to cherish his life, love and memory his wife Donna and daughters Jennifer and husband Gary Pituck of Newburyport, MA and Vicki and husband Peter Haas of Hebron, CT. John "Grampa" will be so missed by his treasured grandchildren: Trevor and wife Nicole Pituck, currently stationed in Germany, Clayton Pituck of Boston, Madison Haas of Baltimore, MD, as well as Benjamin Haas of Hartford. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2022 at 11am at Prospect Memorial/ The Palmerie Family Funeral Home, 72 Waterbury Rd., Prospect. You are invited to read John's full obituary or to share a fond memory, favorite photo or words of comfort for John's family on his Tribute Wall at www.prospectmemorial.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Hartford Courant on Sep. 8, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
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Emily Blumenreder

August 26, 2025

Happy birthday in heaven. Donna and your family hold on to all the great memories they have of you. We keep Donna busy with Bowling and eating out. Rest in peace John

Bob Coates

August 26, 2024

We had a rough first year playing football at Pulaski and Coach was always positive and provided encouragement to all of us.

Jerry Fascione class of 74

August 26, 2024

Mr.Liljestrand was a tough man but à nice man. I think I may have rubbed him the wrong way but I had respect for him. Rest in peace Mr. Liljestrand

Emily Blumenreder (bowling friend)

October 13, 2023

Rest in peace John. Donna is still bowling and keeping busy. The memories of your life together help her through this difficult time.

Tom Myers

October 12, 2023

Liljestrand Family. Moving from New York to New Britain in July before my Senior year of high school was a daunting task, as was trying out for the football team. Coach Liljestrand made it easy with his fair treatment of everyone and his quiet encouraging manner. When it came time to pick a college to attend and to play football for he was a voice of reason that steered me to Syracuse University, a decision I have never regretted. When my Father passed away after my freshman year of college Coach was kind and sympathetic counselour who was always there to listen. My deepest sympathies go out to the Liljestrand family and my gratitude to one of the best men I have ever known has no end. RIP Coach. Sincerely, Tom Myers

Jerry Fascione

February 22, 2023

Mr Liljestrand when i was a student (class of 1974) we didn't always see eye to eye on things but i still liked and respected you. A good man and a good friend to the students

Peter Mayock

September 13, 2022

Family, Your dad was a great role model for many of us at Pulaski High School in the late 60's & 70's. We knew in his class there were no easy grades no matter what position you played. At his passing the word that comes to mind is "Integrity". Please accept my sincere condolences!!! Peter Mayock

J Maiorca

September 9, 2022

At first I remember being afraid of him but after a personal experience that I had to share with him I realized what a kind person he was. One of the best teachers that I have had. RIP.
J. Sylvester Maiorca. Class of 64

Jill Price

September 8, 2022

Very sorry to read of Mr. Liljestrand's passing. My memory goes back to New Britain High School when I believe it was his first year teaching. Sorry, I don't even recall what the subject was. But for us teenage girls having this very young, handsome first time teacher...I don't think many learned much in the beginning. We were too busy swooning over him. Nice to read that he went on to have a very successful career and loving family. My condolences to the family. Treasure your memories.

Jeff Gugal ( Barney ) `73

September 7, 2022

My most sincere condolences to the family. Coach was the best influence on my life in and after high school. I know he´s looking down smiling at each and every life he had the pleasure of touching. God bless!

Peter Morin

September 6, 2022

He was a great teacher at Pulaski he will be remember always class of 64

Bob Coates

September 6, 2022

We certainly did not have good first year as a football team but Coach helped us survive. RIP

Bob Coates
PHS `62

Michael Nolan

September 6, 2022

Very few people have a major impact on one's life. John was one. Bigger than life....mentor,educator,coach and friend.

Mike Nolan

Gerry Amodio

September 6, 2022

Coach,
You left an indelible mark on each of us who you guided through young manhood, and I for one learned valuable lessons that influenced me, even until today. Thank you, Coach, and rest well, your work here on earth is done
Gerry Amodio
PHS '75

Ray Lewicki

September 6, 2022

Condolences to Coach Liljestrand's family, I played freshman baseball, learned so much about baseball and life, he was a mentor to me and my brother and we had fun, it was not all about winning. Coach will be missed, more people need to follow his lead!

Joanie ( Dabkowski ) Gessay

September 6, 2022

Fly free with the angels Mr. Liljestrand! You were loved by many! Sending love to your family. Pulaski...class of 67.

Joseph Sikora

September 6, 2022

RIP Coach

David Malinowski

September 6, 2022

My deepest sympathy on Coach Liljestrand's passing. He taught us about team play. He made us stronger. He helped develop our character. He made us smarter. He showed us how to work hard toward a goal. Teacher. Mentor. Role model. I've thought of him often over the years. And he was the first to beat New Britain High. Thanks for everything, Coach. You will be missed. David Malinowski Class of 1971

Pat Larson

September 6, 2022

So sorry to hear. I have wonderful memories of Mr. Liljestrand from Pulaski. A great teacher

Tony Rutkauskas

September 6, 2022

He was my baseball coach at Pulaski for two years and helped me when my father passed away during my junior year. May John rest in peace.

Ken Sachs

September 6, 2022

Great teacher & coach for the Class of '67!

Emily Blumenreder

September 5, 2022

So very sorry for your loss. I know you all have so many wonderful memories to reflect on and those memories will help you at this most difficult time. May he Rest In Peace. Love Emily Blumenreder

Pat Lostocco

September 5, 2022

Donna, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family....John will live forever in your hearts! A gentle giant, gentle man!

Catherine Bongiovanni

September 2, 2022

Donna and family. I am so sorry to hear about John´s passing. He will be missed very much. My prayers are with you.

Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results

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Memorial Events
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Sep

10

Celebration of Life

11:00 a.m.

Prospect Memorial Funeral Home

72 Waterbury Rd, Prospect, CT 06712

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Prospect Memorial Funeral & Cremation Services

122 Waterbury Road P.O. Box 7003, Prospect, CT 06712

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