John Frederick Wiarda

1943 - 2023

Winsted: John Frederick Wiarda, 80, died Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital in Torrington, following a brief illness. Born in Grand Rapids, MI, March 25, 1943, he was the son of the late Jerry and Lucille (Swingle) Wiarda. John had attended local schools in Ann Arbor and graduated from high in 1961. Soon after graduation, he enlisted in the US Air Force. In 1966 he made his way east to Winsted where he met his future wife, Patricia M. Locascio, a marriage which lasted 55 years and two wonderful children. John joined the Air National Guard where he completed 20 years of service as an Avionics Technician. He also worked as a welder when working with CE Controls. He also worked at Pratt and Whitney and Hamilton. He did some college courses in computer Sciences in Winsted. He was a member of the Riverton American Legion Post #159 as well as the Torrington Area Model Railroad Club which he attended with his grandson Tyler. He loved taking cruises to the Caribbean and Alaska, driving to different States in the west to see the Grand Canyon, Mesa Verde and other sites, as well as going to Hawaii. He loved to watch the Michigan Wolverines football and basketball teams as well as the UConn Huskies. He enjoyed professional golf on TV and even attended the Travelers tournament in years past. He also enjoyed staying updated on the new military planes and anything about trains and electric vehicles. In the past several years he got involved in the town for the Economic Development and Conservation Commissions. John loved spending time with his family, especially with his grandchildren. In addition to his wife, he leaves a son, Frederick (Heather) Wiarda of Winsted, a daughter, Christine A. (Jason) Hurley of South Windsor, four brothers, David (Sharron) Wiarda of Grand Rapids, MI and Richard Wiarda of Tucson, AZ, Michael (Sandy) Wiers of Rockford, MI, Brian (Ina) Matz of Byron Center, MI, a sister, Edith Christie-Wiarda (Robert Christie) of Chelsea, MI; two grandsons, Tyler and Dalton Wiarda; a great grandson, Jacob Wiarda and several nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held at the Maloney Funeral Home 55 Walnut St., Winsted, CT on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, 5 to 7 PM. Interment will be held on August 3, 2023 at 11:00 AM in Colebrook Center Cemetery in Colebrook, CT with military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.