John E. Regan

ASHFORD, Conn. - John Eugene Regan, 78, of Ashford, Connecticut, former husband of Linda Lee Anderson, passed away peacefully at his home on Oct. 5, 2017.
John was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on Nov. 6, 1938, to Eugene Augustus Regan and Margaret Jane McCarthy. John was raised in Rutland, Vermont, and attended Rutland High School, graduating in 1958. He was a member of the Boy Scouts of Rutland Troop 2, the Civil Air Patrol and the Vermont Army National Guard.
John earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Keene State College, and was elected the class president. John also earned a master's degree from Central Connecticut State College.
Teaching and community service were John's passion. He was employed by Coventry High School in 1964, with a career spanning over 37 years. He also taught evening classes at AI Prince Technical High School and Manchester Community Technical College. John was a pioneer in encouraging female and disabled students to participate in the industrial arts program. He was recognized as an outstanding educator and community servant, earning the UCONN Alumni Teacher of the Year Award, American Industrial Arts Student Association Advisor of the Year Award, U.S. Air Force Community Service Award and the Lions Club Outstanding Community Service Award for building hundreds of wooden toys for the Toys for Tots Charity.
He had a love for history and early American furniture and pewter. He spent many years as consultant for Sturbridge Village on Colonial-period furniture, as well as a member of the Ashford Historical Society. His fondness for history led him on a yearlong journey to induct Brigadier General Edward Washburn Whitaker into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame, receiving recognition from Gov. Jodi Rell.
An avid woodworker, his friends and families' houses throughout Andover, Tolland, Coventry and Ashford are adorned by birdhouses, family name signs, benches, planters, sleds and other toys he built as gifts. He helped restore the Bidwell Tavern in Coventry, build the Presbyterian Church of Coventry, and design and construct homes, garages, decks, sheds and home additions around Connecticut.
John is survived by his son, Sean Regan and wife Tammy, of Coventry; daughter, Christina Regan-Ardito, of Middletown; and three grandchildren Molly Regan, Liam and Kiernan Ardito.
John's family also includes brothers Charles and Michael Regan; nieces and nephews Keith Regan, Meredith Regan and husband Mark, Deanne Regan and Thom Apgar, Michael and wife Sandra, and Charlene Regan.
His family sends thanks to the staff of Douglas Manor for the wonderful care he received, and also to his home caregiver, Kwaku Ambaah, who affectionately watched over John with respect and dignity.
Funeral service and burial will be private.
The family invites friends to gather and share memories of John on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Lake View Restaurant, 50 Lake Street, Coventry, CT.
Those who wish to make a memorial donation may do so to the Salvation Army.