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BORN
1937
DIED
2021
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John Cernan Obituary
John "Jack" Cernan, 83, of Higganum, beloved husband of Elizabeth "Betty" (Church) Cernan, died Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at Apple Rehab in Middletown. He was born on June 26, 1937 in Middletown, son of the late John F. and Marie (Nocar) Cernan. Jack was a graduate of Vinal Tech Class of 1956. He owned his own electrical business in town and later was employed by the State of Connecticut, Department of Transportation, retiring in 1992 after 25 years of service. He was a life member of the Haddam Volunteer Fire Dept and a member of Granite Lodge #119, where he chaired the Easter Egg Hunt for 25 years. Jack volunteered with Haddam Meals on Wheels for 22 years, was a member of St. James Church and also very active at Higganum United Methodist Church as a Trustee and worked at the Chicken Barbeques for many years. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who loved his family. He could start a conversation with anyone he met. He loved fishing, camping and traveling. His second home was The Family's Happy Face Cabin in Vermont for over 40 years and one of his favorite places to go. Jack is survived by his wife of 58 years, Betty; daughters, Lisa Wiese and her husband Jack of Higganum, Diane Zaklukiewicz and her husband Robert of Higganum; grandchildren, Meghan, Stephanie (Robert), Gregory, and Brian (Emily); great-grandchildren, Bryce, Meila, Florence, and Eleanor; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, John R. Cernan and brother, Ronald Cernan. A graveside service will be held on Monday at 11 a.m. at Burr District Cemetery, Higganum. Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St., Middletown. Those who wish may send memorial contributions to Haddam Volunteer Fire Dept., P.O. Box 194, Higganum, CT 06441 or to the Higganum United Methodist Church, Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 475, Higganum, CT 06441. To share memories or express condolences online, please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Cernan
Sponsored by MiddletownPress.com.
Ruth Ann (Negrelli) and Anthony Timbro
June 9, 2021
Dear Betty and family, so sorry for your loss of Jack. God Bless you.
Maria Mennella
May 25, 2021
I am saddened to read Jack's passing. He was my dad's (Mario Morello) roommate at Middlesex Health Rehab Center a couple of summers ago. I will never forget how friendly he was to my family and would joke with me by saying "How was work" because my husband and I also work for the State. Sadly, my father also passed away on February 1st and pray that they are reunited in heaven. My thoughts and prayers go out to Jack's whole family, especially his loving wife.
With my deepest sympathies, Maria (Morello) Mennella
Mike and Lea Salafia
May 24, 2021
Dear Betty, Our sincere condolences to you and all your beautiful family. Jack’s spirit, a loving and gentle man, will remain with you all forever. God Bless you, we love you all. Will see you soon.
Scott Brady
May 16, 2021
My name is Scott Brady and my father, Harold Brady, worked with Jack at the DOT until his death in 1991. I remember Jack very well. Jack was kind enough to let us Brady’s vacation at the Happy Face Cabin and my siblings and I still have fond memories of the stay and the wild creatures we encountered. Around the age of 12, I was allowed to attend the annual “fishing trip” with the guys to Lake Millinocket. I specifically remember Jack and Doc being in the crew. Calling it a fishing trip is a little unfair. It was more of a drinking and card playing trip, with a little fishing on the side. But I think what I remember most about Jack was how easily and warmly he smiled. Condolences from all the Bradys.
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Lois Bukowiec
May 16, 2021
Dear Betty and family
My deepest sympathies to you all on the passing of your beloved husband , father & grandfather.
Lois Hastings Bukowiec MHS class of 1959
Janet Gage
May 13, 2021
Jack was one of the most wonderful man anyone could hope to know. Love and prayers to Betty and the family. I was blessed to know this special man
Yvonne Sekscenski Gamble
May 13, 2021
Betty,
So very sorry for your loss. Jack was a special man, and will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him! You and your family will be in my prayers for comfort during these difficult days.
douglas pierce
May 12, 2021
Condolences to his family and friends. Blessings to him for his service to his community.
Sharon Graves
May 12, 2021
Betty, Lisa, Diane and Family,
Larry and I send our condolences to you all. Jack was a great, kind, gentle man.
Ann Mokoski
May 12, 2021
Dear Betty
So very sadden to hear of your husband's passing....Although I didn't actually know him I do know he will be missed by you and your family. We will keep him in our prayers as well as you too.
Frank and Diana (Giurintano) Reiss
May 12, 2021
Dear Betty, Lisa and Diane, and the entire Cernan family members, we were sorry to hear of Jack's passing. Although it's been a long time, we still can remember him from his years with the Haddam Fire Company and his devotion to you all. Our condolences to you...it is a sad day indeed.
Paul & Carol Peloquin
May 12, 2021
Dear Lisa, Jack & family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May your dads heavenly light shine brightly upon you, loved ones and friends
Jim and Donna Spencer
May 11, 2021
Betty, Lisa, Diane sorry to hear about Jack he was one of the nicest guys I knew. May he R.I.P
Cody suchanek
May 11, 2021
I will always remember coming down and seeing you, betty, lisa, and diane in Connecticut every 4th of july. Id go play with my cousins while the grownups sat and talked. Its a sad day today but just know your a wonderful man and will be truly missed. Love you and the suchaneks send there condolences. Rest in peace
Tracy Suchanek
May 11, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful person, Jack was such a great Man. I will always Reminisce the wonderful times at the Cabins in Vermont as all the Cousins and are families would gather to enjoy every Memorial and 4th of July holidays when we were younger. Those times will always be remembered and Cherished. We will love you and miss you always. Betty, Lisa, and Diane I am so sorry to hear of Jack's passing. Sending love, hugs and our Condolences to each of you and the family.
Janet Marie Lemond
May 11, 2021
Jack Cernan will be missed by all. During COVID I would help Pastor Ahn from Higganum United Methodist Church conduct Bible Study. We would have "Bible Study Jeopardy" and Jack was always a willing and eager participant. I loved to see his smiling face over the Zoom meetings. Both Jack and his wife Betty would have fun getting many of the answers correct. I will miss that. Sincerely Janet
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