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John Contoulis Obituary
He went to New London High School, the University of Connecticut, and Southern Connecticut State College where he received his master's degree. He played football for the University of Connecticut, and continued his football career after he was drafted by the New York Giants. He was a physical education teacher for 32 years before retirement.
He leaves behind his companion, Alberta Grabowski of Throop, Pa. He is survived by his sister, Tootsie Bushmann; and one brother, William Botchis and family, all from Connecticut. Also surviving are dear cousins, whom he loved like sisters, Frani, Angie and Sophia and families, all from Massachusetts; also dearest friends, Margaret and Mark Sullivan, Wayne Jacobs and Bill Borden. He is preceded in death by brothers: George, Marshall, Peter and Steve (Tarvo); and sister Connie Romeo.
Per John's request, memorial services will be private.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Contoulis
Sponsored by John F. Glinsky Funeral Home, Inc. - Throop.
ALFRED PARKER MAYO
May 26, 2025
What a great teacher he was. May GOD BLESS him for making an impact on those look up to him, heaven have a man who make comfort welcome you.
David VanWormer
May 25, 2025
Mr. Contoulis was my P. E. teacher for my 10th and 11th grade years in high school. He was a wonderful person and was extremely funny. Mr. Contoulis - May you rest in peace. God Bless
Jennifer A Marshall-Nealy
March 4, 2024
JC was my AAU track coach. He saw a good runner in me and made me a BETTER runner. Our team traveled to many track meets from east coast to the west coast participating in Junior Olympics to National track meets. Because of this coach, my ability to enhance my skills. I am saddened to learn of his passing. He was "one of a kind". [No Pain No Gain]!!!
Members of the Groton Track Club were fortunate to have him as a coach.
Farrwell, JC.
Audra D Fisher Meza
February 21, 2024
Mr. Contoulis was my encourager in my youth; and for that I am grateful. I had no idea that he passed away until today. I'm saddened at the thought that you are gone, and thankful to have known you. I wish I could have given you a big best hug. Miss you and rest in peace.
charles zito
December 24, 2023
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.THE GOOD DAYS ON MOUNTAIN AVE NEW LONDON R.I.P.
Monica Christie Hohlfelder
December 17, 2023
JC was my highschool running coach during my Fitch years 1986-1989. He was a gift to women's athletics. I fondly remember him pumping us up with his famous BE A WOMAN! chant. He worked us hard while caring for our health and academics. He knew how to push us to be our best selves. I stayed in touch through the years with Christmas cards and am so very sad to learn of his passing. He was truly a special soul.
Poulos Chris
December 17, 2023
As a New London Guy and UCONN grad...John was a guy I could look up to (I´m 5´7"). I won´t forget in the fall of my freshman year how John reached out and invited me to dinner at his fraternity house. He introduced me as a hometown/high school friend. I walked around with a little swagger after that.
David Carter
December 16, 2023
God speed, one of my favorite teachers.
Rachael Franco (Class of 1987)
December 16, 2023
J.C. was a great PE Teacher! I loved hearing this giant man tell stories of his glorious football days, while I struggled to lift weights in gym class.
Sincere condolences to his family, and may you rest in eternal peace J.C.
Christopher Lee Williams
December 13, 2023
JC encouraged me as a young man, student and athlete every single time we talked. It was very easy to see why so many loved and admired him who was a warm gentle-giant with life gems that made you better
Christopher Lee Williams
Bernie Nasser
December 12, 2023
Chief Red Cloud:
I remember my first day at Fitch in 1972 as a young, new teacher/coach walking into the teacher's cafe and seeing this GIANT of a Man!!! You made a lasting impression upon me then and it carried through the rest of our careers at Fitch. I remember your Mother's Greek dinners (AWESOME COOK) and how she fondly spoke of your family and Greek heritage. Special times that I will always cherish! We had many a good time together both at FHS and beyond. Your coaching legacy speaks for itself! Always a positive influence on your student/athletes, you established a great track program at FHS. Thanks for being there, my brother. Go NY Giants!! I pray that your journey leads you to eternal peace!!
Laura Tompkins
December 12, 2023
So very sad at the loss of beloved Mr, Contoulis. He was our Robert E. Fitch football couch while I attended, and was always so kind to me. You will be missed. Your incredible legacy will last forever. Deepest condolences to the Contolis family. Rest with the Angels, Mr. Contoulis..
Bob Chester
December 11, 2023
To the Contoulis Family,
I so fondly remember Mr Contoulis from Fitch high school. He was a great coach and gym teacher. He had an awesome sense of humor. He will surely be missed.
David Miner
December 11, 2023
He was a tough guy gym teacher. But, he could also be a great friend when you needed him. Thanks "JC"
Tinne Geboers
December 11, 2023
JC, for over a month now I've known of your passing. Margaret and Mark kept me up to date with how you were doing...
You were always dear to me and that's because you were one of a kind! When you 'wanted to', you were the kindest man, your heart was golden!!
I will never forget how, in gym class, you would turn every F into an A at the end of the semester.
We became good friends over the years, and I want to thank you for all the good times!
I've missed you a lot the last 15 years or so, but I'm missing you more now...
Shedding tears as I'm writing this as you will always be in my heart! Rest in peace, big man! Love always, Tinne
Lacy Johnson
December 11, 2023
Rest easy, JC! You were a great coach and teacher and you inspired me to always hunt for better performances in myself!
Jeremey B.
December 11, 2023
a great gym teacher and person, at Fitch Senior High.
Michael Andrews
December 10, 2023
J.C was great person and one hell of a PE teacher. No one ever messed with him , told it how he saw it
To the Contoulis family so very sorry , he will be missed but also remembered
Rich Norton
December 10, 2023
I remember him well back at Fitch high school. He was a blessing!
Jim Roy
December 10, 2023
John Contoulis, an unforgettable person (in stature and personality). Rest in peace J. C.
Nancy Shaw
December 10, 2023
JC always and will be number 1 track coach. His famous saying was No Pain No Gain. Rest in peace.
Nancy Shaw
December 10, 2023
JC will always be number 1 track coach. He had a saying No pain No gain.
Chipper. Susan
December 10, 2023
I say boy, Rest in peace my good friend!! You were a great man!
Dave Coxe
December 10, 2023
Rest in peace, JC. You made PE bearable for us non-athletic types.
John walters
December 10, 2023
I remember John as one of the wall boys, playing basketball with Regan, Madden, Barkley, McGirk, and others. Good man.
John walters
Bob Janovic
December 10, 2023
So sorry to see that John has passed away. I remember him running on the beach to keep in shape.
Rit Manthous
December 10, 2023
Tootsie, he died too young. My deepest sympathies. May his memory be eternal.
Alfred P. Mayo
December 10, 2023
Coach Contoulis was nothing more than a giant in all respect, at Fitch High School. I learn from him that your heart is big when your heart is for all. He was just more than Physical Education Teacher he was a man lift you up. His miss to see the goods he helps those, he taught us good life to stay healthy . GOD BLESS as he did for us all.
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