John William Hajosy

1938 - 2022

Niantic - John William Hajosy, 84, of Niantic, died peacefully Monday, March 28, 2022 at Bayview Healthcare in Waterford. John was born in New London, Feb. 1, 1938, the son of Albert and Catherine Callan Hajosy. His wife, Adeline Gutowski Hajosy, predeceased him in 2018. He is survived by two sons, Stephen of Greenville, S.C., and John of South Lyme; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He was predeceased by his oldest son Michael, U.S. Navy (Ret.); and his brother Robert.

John attended Boston College, where he met his bride. After graduating, he served briefly in the U.S. Army. He wasn't quite sure what he did during that time, but he did remember spending time in Texas, where he saw action in the "Battle of Juarez." Soon after, John started his career as a Federal Special Agent for the NCIS. This nearly thirty-year-career propelled John and his family across the globe to Japan, Morocco, Bermuda, and numerous ports along the East Coast. He loved his job more than anyone. He even caught a bad guy or two.

John exuded a real love for life and those around him. He adored and supported his wife Addie. For 56 years, they loved, laughed and toured the world together. All the while, he made it a priority that she maintain and nurture her own very successful career in nursing. For his sons, he gave selflessly of his time. In their younger days, this meant midnight camel rides, Saturday morning digs for old bottles and salvaging golf balls from leech infested waters. As they began to play sports, he was always present as a coach, a driver and as the most rabid fan ever known in southern Maine high school athletics. In fact, during one football contest, he was singled out from a fully packed stadium and ejected by the referee, who just could not tolerate John's unbridled enthusiasm. When his grandchildren entered this world, John was first in line to smother them with his affection. As a babysitter, he rarely slept on duty, and only once did he misplace one of them.

John could endear himself to anyone. Although he cussed like a sailor, he had an even greater gift as a master storyteller. Many satisfied spectators have witnessed him spin his yarns. A typical story or joke might start during casual conversation, but before long, he was on his feet, arms flailing and nothing could stop him; not even the fits of laughter from the people circled around.

On his own, at 14 years of age, John was the youngest member to join the Niantic Bay Yacht Club. He reconnected with his sailing roots upon his retirement from NCIS and became co-skipper of the Grunion, a humble yet seaworthy craft. John enjoyed wine and food more than most people, and preferred to share this joy in the company of others. He didn't believe in stop signs, enjoyed puzzles, birding, fishing, hiking, naps and family genealogy. He proudly displayed his plaid Christmas pants every year and was ALWAYS up for an adventure. He was the family patriarch; keeping all of the Hajosy Clan in touch, from New England, to South Carolina, Georgia, Puerto Rico, and California. If you knew him, you loved him . . . and he was always ready to pour you a glass of wine. He was one of a kind. "We miss you, John!"

In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor can be made to the Nature Conservancy (https://www.nature.org/en-us/membership-and-giving/donate-to-our-mission/)

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Condolences may be shared on John's memorial page at ww.neilanfuneralhome.com.