Obituary of John Michael Trnik

John Michael Trnik, 88, of Westbrook, CT, passed away on December 16, 2019. He is predeceased by his parents, Anna Kaufman and John Trnik of Westbrook, his brother William Trnik of Jupiter, FL, and his wife Ruth Weimann Trnik. Born in New York City on September 15, 1931, he moved to Westbrook at 3 months of age and was proud to be a life-long Westbrook resident where many knew him as ‘Deacon’. He graduated from Morgan High School in 1949, and served in the National Guard from 1949 to about 1952. He retired from AM Bruning of Guilford as a factory worker, but held many varied jobs throughout his life starting at an early age. Some may remember him working at Turnpike Auto Wreckers in Westbrook, but the job most enjoyed was at Pratt & Whitney as it combined his mechanical skills with his love of aviation. His mechanical knowledge was excellent and although he was never a mechanic by trade, mechanics often came to him for advice. He was a humble and friendly man. He had a strong work ethic which his children are proud to have been taught. He liked a good boxing fight or wrestling match. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, autos, planes and aviation history, military history, science, and opera, especially when sung by his son and daughter-in-law. His family enjoyed and will miss listening to the stories of his life, many of which were so incredible and wonderful that we thought a book should be written about him. He liked dogs and could get the meanest dog to be his friend. He had a great sense of humor and a gift of comedic timing. He enjoyed good food, especially ice cream and sweets. When asked how he would describe himself, he said he was a survivor, making due with what he had throughout his life. He certainly was a survivor until the end. John is survived by his three children and their families who he loved very much; Lisa Nardi of Westbrook, Michael Trnik and his wife Cristina of Newtown, CT, Jennifer Krider and her husband Daniel of Jamestown, RI. He had two grandsons who he was very proud of; Ian Hallie Krider of Jamestown, RI, and John Lucas Trnik of Newtown, CT. His family will miss him very much.