John H. Friar

Valued Faith And

Family

John Henry Friar, 78, of Naples, Fla., and Middlefield, Conn., died January 18 in Florida. He was the husband of Jule (Horschak) Friar.

Besides his beloved wife of 54 years, he is also survived by nine children and 16 grandchildren: daughters Martha Friar, son-in-law Jeffrey Wilkins, and their two sons, Jim and Dave, of Newtown; Monica Friar of Jamaica Plain, Mass.; Mary Friar, son-in-law Richard Riddle, and their four daughters, Julia, Katie, Maggie, and Kelly, of Cheshire; Marguerite Friar and son-in-law Larry Jacques of Columbia; Maureen Friar and her son, Joe, of New York City; and Megan Friar, son-in-law Ron Drotos, and their two sons, John and Dan, of Riverdale, N.Y.; sons John, daughter-in-law Eva Guinan, and their two children, Greta and Liam, of Newtown, Mass.; Tim, daughter-in-law Pat, and their two daughters, Christine and Catherine, of New Canaan; and Tom, daughter-in-law Mary, and their three children, Tom, Allie, and Jack, of Martinsville, N.J. He is also survived by two brothers and two sisters. He was predeceased by a granddaughter, Jacqueline Friar.

Mr Friar was born November 4, 1927, in Milwaukee, Wis., the son of John and Nathalie (Hart) Friar. He received his bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Marquette University, where he was a member of the basketball team. He received his master’s degree from Wesleyan University. He served in the US Army in the security agency. His work career was primarily with the American Can Company where he worked for 32 years in Chicago, St Paul, New York City, and Greenwich.

He most valued his faith and family. He volunteered extensively, including at the soup kitchens and hospitals in both Naples and Middletown. He was also very active in his churches in both Florida and Connecticut.

A mass of celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, January 28, at 11 am, at St Colman Church, 145 Hubbard Street, Middlefield. There are no calling hours.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St Vincent De Paul Place, 615 Main Street, Middletown 06457 or to Amazing Grace Food Bank, 139 Main Street Extension, Middletown 06457.

The Newtown Bee        January 27, 2006