Obituary of John Albert Johns

John Albert Johns, 86, of Essex, passed away on September 3rd, 2017 at the Connecticut Hospice in Branford. He was married for 60 years to the love of his life, Betty Johns, who predeceased him only 18 days earlier. John was born in the family homestead on Main Street Essex on October 10, 1930 and remained a lifelong resident of the town. He was married to Betty Johns on July 27, 1957. After serving 8 years on the Essex Board of Selectman, John retired from 28 years with Northeast Utilities to serve 2 terms as the town's First Selectman. John was passionate about his family, his town, his drum corps., and his church. He dedicated over 35 years of his life to the youth of the town coaching various sports such as baseball, basketball, and soccer. He was a founding member of Essex Little League, Essex Park and Recreation, and the Essex Sailing Masters. He was a past member of the Connecticut River Jaycees and Essex Rotary Clubs. He also served as a member of the Essex Memorial Day Committee, Comstock Field Renovation Committee, and on the Essex Republican Town Committee for many years. In addition, John served as Parish Council Member for Our Lady of Sorrows Church where he was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. John is survived by his 5 children Bonnie Sharky (Steve Sharky) of Leominster, MA; John D. Johns of Essex; Karen Thomas (John Sutton) of Lyme; Paul Johns (Linda Steindl) of Essex; Anne Russell (Chris Russell) of Dunedin, FL; 11 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. John is preceded in death by his parents Mort and Maggie Johns of Essex and his sister Anne E. Johns also of Essex. Visitation will be held at the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main Street in Centerbrook on Sunday, September 10th from 5-7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 14 Prospect Street in Essex on Monday, September 11th at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations in John's name can be made to the Park & Recreation Department, Essex Town Hall, 29 West Ave., Essex, CT 06426 or to Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 14 Prospect Street, Essex, CT 06426 To share a memory of John or send a condolence to his family please visit www.rwwfh.com