John Ludko Jr.

John ‘Coach’ Ludko, Jr., 82, of New Britain passed away on April 29, 2022. He was born in New Britain to his late parents John Ludko Sr. and Eleanor Ludko. John was a lifelong resident of New Britain where he attended New Britain High School. He was a member of the NBHS football team that played in the Orange Bowl in 1955 and then went on to win back to back state titles (‘55-‘56). John served in the United States Marine Corps and was stationed in Camp Lejeune, NC where he was an weapons instructor on the rifle range and was dubbed the nickname ‘Hollywood’. After completing his service with the Marines, John attended Springfield College where he earned his bachelor’s degree cum laude in physical education. After graduation in 1964, John began his teaching career in the Newington school district where he spent his entire career (7 years at Northwest Elementary, 10 years at JWMS and 18 years at NHS). John combined his skills as a teacher with his passion for football and began coaching for Newington High School as an assistant in 1964 and moved up to head coach from 1981-1999. During his coaching career, John led his teams to 7 conference titles and 3 years as state runners up. During this time, he was honored as Coach of the Year 3 times and he will always be remembered for pacing the sidelines in shorts, no matter what the weather. When John retired in 1999 he loved spending time by the shore clamming with his friends, taking long walks on the beach at first light (where he always brought back some new treasure), and enjoying the summers with family at his cottage in Westerly, RI. John was predeceased by his wife Paula Ludko of New Britain, his sister Barbara Raymond of West Hartford, his sister-in-law Teresa Lussier and her husband Leo of Norwich, his sister-in-law Maureen Ludko of Berlin, his brother-in-law Americo ‘Rick’ Cavallo of New Britain and his nephew Brian Beckius. John is survived by his two sons: John Ludko III (Louise) of Wolcott and Craig Ludko (Julie) of Simsbury and grandchildren Alexander, Sarah, Madelyn, Luke, and Alexis. He is also survived by his long-time companion, Patricia Zepperi of New Britain and her family, his brother George Ludko of Berlin, his sister Deborah Jipping of Mason, OH, brother-in-law Anthony Cavallo and his wife Teresa of Plainville, and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to your local VA, one of John’s favorite charities. A period of visitation will be held on Friday at New Britain Memorial & Donald D. Sagarino Funeral Home, 444 Farmington Ave, New Britain from 4PM to 7PM. A mass of Christian burial will be held the following day at 9:30AM at St. Francis of Assisi Church in New Britain. Interment services will immediately follow at St. Mary Cemetery, Stanley Street, New Britain. For an online memorial, please visit www.NewBritainSagarino.com.