Obituary of Bodo N. Jahn

Bodo Jahn, 83, of East Hartford, passed peacefully as the last gentle snow fell of the winter storm on February 28, 2023. His two children were by his bed side when he left this life, following complications from COVID and chronic kidney disease. Born in 1939, Bodo started his childhood during wartime in Berlin, Germany. Although he saw hard times at a young age, he always remembered and cherished the kindness of strangers. Throughout his life he continued to see the good in people, which was a testament to his character and huge heart. He came to the United States in 1962 with the love of his life, Ursula, where they married and settled down in Hartford, Connecticut. Bodo enjoyed working as a landscaper, and was very proud to plant the trees around St. Joseph’s Cathedral and other landmarks in Hartford. He was drafted into the US Army, returning to Germany to serve as an interpreter. He subsequently found his way to the Travelers Insurance Company, working full-time while going to night school to obtain a bachelor’s degree in computer science and also starting a family. He loved working for over 35 years in the Travelers data center, playing a key role in supporting major mainframe infrastructure and security. He settled his family in East Hartford, Connecticut, where he raised his children and eventually retired. Bodo loved walking in the woods or spending time on a Cape Cod beach, couldn’t do without his Dunkin’ Donuts coffee and jelly sticks, thoroughly enjoyed handing out candy on Halloween, and cherished spending time with family. He was a loving and devoted father and beloved “Opa” to his grandchildren. His deep voice, warm heart, and jovial spirit will be tremendously missed at Sunday dinner, family gatherings, and anytime we think of him. Bodo is predeceased by his mother Gertrud and father Fritz, as well as his best friend and former wife Ursula. He leaves behind his brother Peter; as well as his beloved daughter and son-in-law Feline and Patrick O’Gorman with his grandchildren Vincent, Marc, and Lyric, and future granddaughter-in-law Alanna and great grandchild Rose; and also his dear son and daughter-in-law Mark and Jennifer Jahn with his grandchildren Eddie and Dakota, and great grandchild Jackson. Family and friends may gather on Saturday March 18th for a memorial service at 12:30pm, followed by reception, at Grace Lutheran Church, 46 Woodland Street, Hartford, CT. Additional parking will be available from 12pm to 4pm in the CT Public TV/PBS/NPR lot across from the church on Niles Street (please use main lot entrance at 1049 Asylum Ave). Burial will be private.