John A Converse

Woodstock - John A. Converse, a cherished lifelong resident of Woodstock, CT, passed away on August 13, 2024, at the age of 83. Born on February 19, 1941, John was a beloved member of his community and a devoted family man.
John was a proud graduate of Woodstock Academy, Class of 1959. He furthered his education with a certificate in Personnel Management from the University of Mississippi in 1975 and a certificate in Supervision in 1977.
His career began in dairy farming, where he worked as the Head Herdsman at the Richardson's Estate, now known as The Inn at Woodstock Hill, until 1973. He then went on to have a distinguished 19-year career with International Paper Co. in Putnam, CT, followed by 16 years at Smurfit-Stone in Springfield, MA.
Outside of his professional life, John was an avid gardener, earning numerous ribbons at the Woodstock Fair. His most notable achievement was setting a Connecticut state record for Giant Watermelons, with weights of 146.5 pounds in 2010 and 161.5 pounds in 2011. John was also a skilled woodworker and sawmill hobbyist, operating a 1938 Bell Saw that his family purchased after the 1938 hurricane. He was an active member of the New England Giant Pumpkin Growers Association and the Nutmeg Chapter Studebaker Drivers Club.
John was the son of Franklin A. Converse and Bertha Dodge Converse. He was predeceased by his brother, Franklin Converse Jr., and his sister, Priscilla Cady. On August 6, 1960, he married his high school sweetheart, Judith A. Bartlett of Eastford, CT, at Saint Philip Church in Warrenville, CT. They celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary this year, and in their senior years, they enjoyed traveling across the country, including the Midwest and Alaska.
John is survived by his loving wife, Judith, and their three children: Very Rev. Brian J. Converse of Groton Long Point, CT; Ellen LaPiana and her husband Jack of Winchester, VA; and Susan Webster and her husband Ian of Woodstock, CT. He was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren: Anthony LaPiana and his wife Nicole of Gore, VA; Joseph LaPiana of Winchester, VA; Olivia LaPiana of Islip Terrace, NY; John LaPiana of Winchester, VA; Nicholas Webster of Woodstock, CT; and Patrick Webster of Woodstock, CT. John also enjoyed the company of his great-grandchild, Riley LaPiana of Gore, VA, and his beloved dog, Daisy.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at Gilman Funeral Home on Sunday, August 18, 2024, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, located at 104 Church Street, Putnam, CT. A Christian Burial Mass will be held at Most Holy Trinity on Monday, August 19, 2024, at 11:00 AM, located at 568 Pomfret Street, Pomfret, CT, followed by a graveside service at Quasset Cemetery, 67 East Quasset Road, Woodstock, CT.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John's memory to the Woodstock Volunteer Fire Association, Attention: Ambulance Service (P.O. Box 222, South Woodstock, CT 06267) or the St. Joseph Food Pantry (P.O. Box 897, North Grosvenordale, CT 06255).
John will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his passion for gardening and woodworking, and his unwavering commitment to his community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.