John Hallock, 82, of Bethlehem, Conn., died peacefully on October 4, 2023 at Waterbury Hospital after a long illness.

A longtime resident of Bethlehem, John was born in Bridgeport, the son of graphic artist Robert and Marion Hallock.

John attended Newtown High School and was graduated from Trinity Pawling School and Goddard College. He attended the Art Students League of New York.

John’s early labor included a stint at Fabric Fire Hose in Sandy Hook and with inventor Robert Fulton of Newtown. In his twenties John developed his love of working with metal in sculpture and began a business making early-American design lighting fixtures. In 1974 John designed and made the famous Bee weather vane still atop The Newtown Bee building. He later made the landmark gilded dove vane for the Newtown Congregational Church.

Self-employed, John expanded his skills and reputation as a master restorer of antique metal work, primarily American folk art weather vanes and ornamentals. John was gratified that his talented artistic sons Johnny and Micah shared his talent and his interest and worked together with him in his shop. His business and knowledge gave a start to several young men who became skilled practitioners in metal antique restoration.

Viewed as unique by many. A man of few words. When asked how John is, his wife Kate would say “John’s John” and that was so. Not easily described or pegged, he was more gregarious when younger. John, in later years, kept more to himself, enjoying his dogs, wildlife and his good friends. John knew a lot about a lot, and didn’t have to press his knowledge on others. He had a keen, intelligent mind and modest manner. He was kind, generous, and pretty funny — and not an exhibitionist about any of this.

John is survived by his wife Kate Jackson of Bethlehem; his daughter Bridget (Jody) Tuttle of Oxford, Conn.; and son Micah of Albuquerque; and grandchildren, Shannon and Jeremy Tuttle. John’s son John P. (Johnny) Hallock, also of Bethlehem, predeceased him.

At his request there will be no service.

The family is grateful for the care and compassion of all of the staff of the Intensive Care Unit, Waterbury Hospital.

Munson-Lovetere Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be sent to munsonloveterefuneralhome.com

Donations in John’s memory may be made to the Bethlehem Ambulance Association, PO BOX 401, Bethlehem, CT 06751