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John Kieft Obituary
John "Jack" Kieft, Jr., 81, husband of Alene (Lentini) Kieft, of Charles Mary Drive, Middletown, died on Wednesday, September 25th, at UConn Medical Center. He was a lifelong resident of Middletown, son of the late John Kieft Sr. and Helene (Boule) Kieft. Jack was a veteran, serving with the US Navy for five years. After he was discharged, he went to work for himself and was the owner of Portland Carriage Shop for over 30 years. Jack was a true craftsman; he was highly respected and sought after for his attention to detail and impeccable work when it came to restoring corvettes, hot rods, and 32 Fords. Besides his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Jacqueline Cartelli and her husband Douglas of Old Saybrook; three grandchildren, Gregg, Dominic and Paris Cartelli, two great-grandchildren Vincent and Angelina; sister, Jeannine Lis; brother-in-law, Al Lis; as well as two nephews, Justin Lis and his wife Michelle, and Dalton John, as well as many more nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter, Jeannine Kieft. Funeral services were privately held. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Hole in the Wall Gang at holeinthewallgang.org . 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 Kieft
Sponsored by MiddletownPress.com.
Steve Yeager
April 22, 2025
I only just now that Jack passed away back in September.
I was always in awe of his bodywork skills, and we both shared a love of Corvettes. Rest in peace, Jack.
Gia Denaro
October 10, 2024
Jacqui and family,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father.
May you find comfort in all the memories you shared during this difficult time. May he rest in peace!
Wendy Shaffer
October 5, 2024
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Jack. My sympathies to Alene, Jacqui and the rest of the family. May he rest in peace.
Charlene Kiss
October 4, 2024
So sorry to hear of the passing of Jack. We've shared so many fond memories. My heart felt condolences to the family. Charlene Kiss
Lisa Sullivan
October 3, 2024
Jackie you devoted your life to your dad. God bless you and your family
Peter Bozzo
September 30, 2024
I knew Jack since we were kids, went to high-school together, joined the same hotrod club and built cars. The last few years brought him bags of car books to read to help past the time.
We will miss him
Rest in peace old friend
Collette Therrien
September 30, 2024
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to all.
Sean & Collette Therrien
Karen Radziewicz
September 29, 2024
My deepest condolences, Jacqui. Your dad was blessed to have you there to take care of him. May he rest in peace, and may your happiest memories bring you strength & comfort during this difficult time. Love you!
David Boule
September 28, 2024
We send all our sympathy to the family on the loss of your husband, father, grandchildren . Jack and I are cousins and shared many hours together as kids between Middletown and East Hampton. David & Helen Boule
Gail Melluzzo
September 28, 2024
So sorry for your loss
Richard O'Rourke
September 28, 2024
RIP Jack
Terry ORourke
September 27, 2024
Rip
Kathleen Lefebvre
September 27, 2024
Our deepest sympathies on the loss of you father, Jackie
Joyce and Jim Vacca
September 27, 2024
We are heartbroken! We were good friends forever! May Jack rest in peace!
Kathryn York
September 26, 2024
I grew up going to Portland Carriage. I spent many hours there playing in all the cars and probably being a huge nuisance to everyone. I remember all the years of doing fireworks and chasing the army men that fell from the sky in the parachutes or all the times watching the old reel to reel movies during the holidays. Such wonderful memories of Mr. Kieft. Childhood memories that I will never forget. Peace be with the family during this difficult time and know that he will be welcomed by an angel from above.
John Giuliano
September 26, 2024
To the Kieft family our deepest condolences at Jack’s passing. Many visits to the garage in Portland with Both Jack and George. Rest In Peace Jack.
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