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BORN

1941

DIED

2021

FUNERAL HOME

Byles-Groton Memorial Home - Groton

310 Thames St.

Groton, Connecticut

John Schuster Obituary

Mystic - John Schuster, 80, of Mystic passed away June 19, 2021, after a brief battle with cancer.

Born in Dubuque, Iowa, April 24, 1941, he was the son of William and Marian Schuster. John entered the Navy shortly after graduation from high school and served on the submarines Odax, Thomas Edison, and James K. Polk. He was a member of the Holland Club, honoring servicemen who qualified on submarines more than 50 years ago.

After leaving the Navy, John enrolled at UConn and received bachelors' degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Business. He worked at Stone & Webster in Boston, Electric Boat, and Tracor. He retired from Yale University School of Medicine as a Project Manager in 2007.

John was an avid model railroader and enjoyed going to many train shows in Connecticut and Massachusetts throughout the year. He and his wife Jan traveled extensively, both in the U.S. and abroad. He was a long-time member of the Mystic Congregational Church, serving on various committees. He was also a member of the UConn Alumni Southeast Network and enjoyed watching both the Men's and Women's basketball games. He loved dining out, reggae music, photography, attending movies and plays, and visiting with family as often as possible. He also volunteered at the Penguin Exhibit at Mystic Aquarium for many years.

John is survived by his wife of 53 years; and his beloved daughters, Jennifer Wachen and Julie DeVasto, both of Massachusetts. He is also survived by his sons-in-law Matthew Wachen and Brian DeVasto, whom he loved like sons. His grandchildren, William and Oliver Wachen, were the light of his life, and he enjoyed spending time with them and "playing trains". He will also miss special kisses from his grandpuppy Pedro.

Other survivors include his sister-in-law Judith Schuster of Minnesota; and brother-in-law Fred Kotfer of Groton; as well as many nieces and nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his parents; his in-laws; and his brother William.

Special thanks are extended to the Hartford Hospital Hospice Care team of nurses Julie and Kat and the special attention provided by the compassionate care of his aide Kayla.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 26, 2021, at the Mystic Congregational Church, Main Street. Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society either online or by calling 1-800-227-2345. Please visit www.byles.com to sign the online register or to share a memory.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Day on Jun. 23, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for John Schuster

Sponsored by Byles-Groton Memorial Home - Groton.

Not sure what to say?





Dave Fairman

March 1, 2025

Rest in Peace John

Debbie Senseney

September 16, 2021

Dear Jan, I was saddened to learn of John’s passing today. I so enjoyed my time as your next door neighbor. John helped me out many times after Jerry passed away and I truly appreciated that. Your friendship meant the world to me. God bless you and John’s soul.

Mary Ellen Hagen

June 25, 2021

I am so sorry to hear about John's passing. I had the pleasure of volunteering with him at Mystic Aquarium. John was great to work with; a creative problem solver with a dry sense of humor who always made me smile. I am happy to have known him.

Ed & Jackie Deming

June 25, 2021

Dear Jan, Jennie & "JuJu",
We were so saddened to read of John´s passing. We will always think of John coming to stay with Kaitlin when we were at L & M for Justine´s birth. You were wonderful neighbors & loved our "over the fence chats".
We are currently in France visiting Kaitlin, Mathieu & our beautiful Grandkids. We won´t be back for John´s Celebration of Life but please know we are with you all in spirit. John´s is a true example of a life very well lived.
xoxo

glendon christensen

June 24, 2021

Hi Jan and family, I was looking forward to our next noontime luncheon since pandemic. I will miss him but always remember the fun travel trips with him when he was with Tracor and I was with NUWC. God Bless.

Bruce McDermott

June 24, 2021

We are so sorry to hear about John's passing.
Bruce & Carol McDermott

Mary Sieve

June 24, 2021

Jan, I am so sorry that you and your family are going through such a sad time. Even though I didn’t know John, I know how much you are hurting. My prayers for you and your family.

Rick and Nancy Watson

June 23, 2021

Dear Jan and family. Our deepest condolences on the loss of your husband and father. He was a great guy who we shared many dinners out with in our later years but also shared many many good times in earlier years. He will be greatly missed by rick and I.

Carol & Vincent Galante

June 23, 2021

Jan, Jen, Julie & Family, We are sorry you are going through this difficult time. However, would like to mention the happy moments we shared with you and John during our trip to Washington, DC. Carol & Vincent Galante

Dan & Carol Kramer

June 23, 2021

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Ellen&Wayne Chiapperini

June 23, 2021

Jan and family,
We’re so sorry to hear about John. Our thoughts are with you. Ellen and Wayne(Chip) Chiapperini

Tom and Tasha

June 22, 2021

Julie, Brian and family,
Wishing you comfort in the memories that will always remain. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. There are no words...just know we love you and are always here for you ❤
Tom & Tasha

M. & H. Yarrington

June 22, 2021

Jan, Julie, Jenny and family - We are so sorry for your loss. He was the best!!! We are all so very blessed to have had him touch our lives. Sending love and hugs. Mox & Harvey

Jen Stacey

June 22, 2021

Julie, Brian and family, we are so very sorry for your loss and know all too well the pain of losing a loved one, especially a parent. Find peace in all the great memories you shared. Please know you’re in our thoughts and we are sending hugs and love your way! Jen and George Stacey

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results

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Memorial Events
for John Schuster

Jun

26

Celebration of Life

11:00 a.m.

Mystic Congregational Church

Main Street, CT

Funeral services provided by:

Byles-Groton Memorial Home - Groton

310 Thames St., Groton, CT 06340

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