Vernon R. Sloat

1925 - 2018

Vernon Ray Sloat "Vern", 92 of Wethersfield. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He died peacefully on February 5, 2018. He was born on November 3, 1925 in Caribou, Maine, the son of the late Henry and Lou Sloat. He was the beloved husband of the late Elizabeth (Greer) Sloat. Vernon proudly served his country during World War II. His enthusiasm to enlist was so strong he lied about his age to join the Navy. He sailed across the Pacific in the USS LSTs (Landing Ship Tanks) 734 and 727 and was engaged in nearly every battle against the Japanese before returning home to Maine after victory. He often observed the residents in CT "Don't know a Winter in New England until they lived in Maine". He moved to East Hartford to seek employment and it was there he met and married Betsy Greer from Hartford. He and his brother, Ernest, owned an East Hartford diner called "Ern & Vern's", famous for having the best coffee in town! After going to trade school he earned his plumbing license. Together he and Betsy built their first home on Eastern Drive in Wethersfield residing in Wethersfield to raise their two children. Vern is survived by his two children, Joanne (Sloat) Rankin of Newington and Stephen Sloat of Vernon. He also leaves his son in law, John Rankin, daughter in law Patricia Sloat, his grandchildren Anjelica Baixauli, Taylor Sloat, Conner Sloat and a great granddaughter Dakota Rose Grise. Vernon's greatest joys in life were his respect and love of his dogs, especially his last friend, Jasper. Throughout life he enjoyed trout fishing, cards, clamming, gardening, woodworking, Foxwoods, cooking, and more cooking. The family get togethers with his sister Gladys Elliott, brother in law Ernie Elliott and family in Otis, MA were always filled with good food and laughter. A few family favorites were homemade pasta, raisin cookies, fiddleheads, beer, ice cream, whipped cream fruit salad and pizza. He loved his bowling league where he played with his friends Claude and Paul. Until his final few weeks, he lived independently, and was grateful to Dennis for being a great friend and neighbor. What set Vern apart from everyone else was his sense of humor and ability, even as the end drew near, to crack a joke. His family would like to thank the staff at Hartford Hospital and Hughes Rehabilitation for their compassionate care of Vern during his last two weeks. Services and burial are private at the request of the family. Donations in Vern's memory may be made to the ASPCA.