John "Jack" Gloria, 85, died peacefully November 9, at his Pomperaug Woods home. Born in Philadelphia, on December 27, 1930, to Filomena and Umberto Gloria, he lived most of his adult life in Newtown.

In addition to his wife, Peggy (Gorrell), his seven children, Marypat; Peggy and her husband, Dave; John; Jean and her husband, Rich; Kathy and her husband, Ed; Thomas and his wife, Andrea; and Karen survive him. He was the beloved Poppy to his 11 grandchildren, Marshall, Thomas, Craig, Alex, Ian, Nicholas, Patrick, Katie, Steven, Vivian, and Isabelle. He will be remembered fondly by his nieces and nephews.

Blessed with a brilliant mathematical mind, he received a full academic scholarship to Villanova University, graduating in 1952 with a Bachelor's Degree in naval science. While at Villanova he was a member of the NROTC and served proudly in the US Navy upon graduation.

Mr Gloria had a successful career at Dresser Industries, as well as serving as an adjunct business instructor at Western Connecticut State University.

He enjoyed traveling the world with his wife of 63 years, as well as spending time with his family and friends.

Mr Gloria's favorite quote was from a speech given by President John F. Kennedy at the US Naval Academy in 1963: "Any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction, 'I served in the United States Navy.'"

Memorial services will be private at a later date.