John P.

Jennewein

Owned Home Improvement Company

John P. Jennewein, 52, devoted husband of Karen Gray Jennewein, of the Black Rock section of Bridgeport, died in his home October 16 after a courageous five-year battle with cancer.

In addition to his beloved wife of 34 years, his memory will be embraced by three sisters, Cara Sabatino and her husband, James, of Westfield, Mass., Gini Koch and her husband, Charles, and Ann Marie Collier and her husband, Jeffrey, all of Newtown; his three loving daughters, Jamie Jennewein of Fairfield, Tara Shay and her husband, Jason, of Fairfield, and Kasey Jennewein of Black Rock; his cherished granddaughter, Kayla Shay; three brothers-in-law, Byron Gray and his wife, Elizabeth, of New Rochelle, N.Y., David Gray of Bridgeport, and Donald Gray of New Rochelle; 11 nieces and nephews; and several longtime dear friends.

Mr Jennewein was raised in Larchmont, N.Y., where his lifelong affinity for boating and fishing began. Later, he resided in Darien and Norwalk for ten years before moving to Black Rock with Karen and their family in 1984. Coming from a family of artisans, he enjoyed working with his hands. He was the owner and operator of Home Improvement Company for 25 years. A skilled wood craftsman, he would often create gifts for his family and friends. Painting seascapes, working on his home and garden, and riding his mini Harley around Black Rock all gave him simple pleasures.

He was a member of the SS Norden Club, St Ann’s Church, where he helped run the church Bingo, and the Black Rock Community Council.

Calling hours were scheduled for Thursday, October 18, from 4 to 8 pm in the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, in Fairfield Center. His funeral Mass will be held Friday, October 19, at 12:30 pm directly in St Ann’s Church, 481 Brewster Street, Bridgeport. Interment will be private.

 Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice at Home, 40 Lindeman Drive, Trumbull CT 06611.

The Newtown Bee        October 19, 2007