John J. Todd III, 66, of Newtown, a former 38-year resident of New Fairfield, died in his home March 17 with his beloved family by his side, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Glen Cove, N.Y., December 31, 1948. He was the son of Muriel (Walther) Todd and John J. Todd, Jr.

He grew up in Manhasset, N.Y., and graduated from St Paul’s School in Garden City, N.Y., in 1967. He graduated from Ohio Northern University in 1971 with a BA in sociology, and was a member of Phi Kappa Theta fraternity.

Mr Todd began an extensive career in the gasoline industry in sales for Shell Oil Co., and then continued on as the Eastern regional sales manager for Archer, Daniels, Midland, Inc. He then became the owner and operator of Danbury Gulf, Inc, in Danbury. After selling his gas station, he worked for Norbert E. Mitchell, Co., and for the last 11 years of his life he was the territory sales manager in Fairfield and New Haven Counties for Drake Petroleum, Co., Inc, a division of Warren Equities.

Better known to family and friends as “Jan,” Mr Todd was an avid sports fan who religiously followed the New York Yankees and the UConn Huskies. He had an unmatched sense of humor, quick wit, and a dynamic personality. He was always the life of any party.

He enjoyed cruising and traveling the world with his wife, and spending time in his beloved New York City.

His real passion was his family. His wife Diane (Hillyer) Todd, his high school and college sweetheart, to whom he was married for 43 years; his daughters Kim (Todd) Marks, and her husband Rob, of Grafton, Mass., and Kara (Todd) Stripay, and her husband Mark, of Monroe; four grandchildren who were the light of his life, Grady Todd Marks, Gemma Marks, Taylor Stripay, and Whitney Stripay; his sister Patrice (Todd) Langdon of Norwalk; a niece; and three nephews survive Mr Todd.

Memorial contributions may be made to Regional Hospice and Homecare of Western Connecitcut, 30 Milestone Road, Danbury CT 06810 or at www.regionalhospicect.com.

A private celebration of Mr Todd’s life will be held at a future date.

Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home, 9-11 Granville Avenue, Danbury, is in charge of arrangements.