John W. Twarkins

In loving memory of John W. Twarkins, age 92 of East Hartford who passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, March 3, 2024. John was born in Hartford, Connecticut on January 15, 1932 and proudly grew up in Glastonbury, Connecticut as the son of the late Mary Krul and John Twarkins. He was also predeceased by his brother, George Twarkins.

John is survived by his devoted wife of 69 years, Vivian (Belanger) who stood by his side through the journey of life. He is also survived by his children Linda Bieszad and her husband Thomas of West Hartford and Kimberly Kozlowski and her husband John of Coventry. His love also extended to his grandchildren Andrew Bieszad and his wife Jessica of Ider, Alabama; Kristyn Figbie and her husband Gabriel of West Hartford; Sarah Vasconcelos and her husband Andre of Brooklyn, New York; and Samantha Maltz and her husband Jay of Bolton, as well as his nine great grandchildren Drew, Augustine, Margot, Gregory, Charles, Ambros, Alexander, Emilia, and James, plus two nieces and two nephews.

Growing up in Glastonbury, John enjoyed raising pigeons, trapping muskrats, and gardening with his father, all of which brought him much joy and stories to tell throughout his life. He was a graduate of Glastonbury High, Class of 1950, where he became a dedicated team player of the school’s soccer and baseball teams. After high school, John graced the mound with his talent as a pitcher for the Minor League baseball teams, the Washington Senators, the Bluefield Blue-Grays, and the Mooresville Moors. He later received an offer for the Major Leagues to play for the Brooklyn Dodgers. However, he made the humble decision to stay in Connecticut and start a family.

John dedicated many years of service to his beloved career as a surveyor and later served as a Public Works Inspector for the City of Hartford until his well-earned retirement. Outside of work, John had many passions, including music as he was a member of the Silk City Chorus singing barbershop, coin collecting, gem collecting, traveling with his wife and friends, and being in nature as he showed such love towards landscaping tending to and putzing around his yard. While being proud of his Polish, Ukrainian, and Lithuanian heritage, he also had a deep love for his country and was an unwavering patriot. Most of all, John absolutely adored his family, and will be most remembered for the complete love for and delight he found in his family’s accomplishments. Known as “Grandpa” and “Poppie” to his grandchildren, he was profoundly supportive of their endeavors, and excited to share them with anyone willing to listen.

As a lifelong parishioner of Saint Christopher Catholic Church in East Hartford, John’s commitment to his faith was steadfast. He actively participated in various church ministries, including the Knights of Columbus as a 3rd Degree Knight, the bowling league, and as a collections counter.

Known for his warm and welcoming nature, John made friends effortlessly and cherished these connections. A familiar sight at local fast food restaurants, over a cup of coffee or a burger, he would share laughter and his beloved stories that never got old, creating enduring memories with his circle of friends.

We find peace that on his last day, John enjoyed some of his favorite things in life – music played on guitar by his son-in-law and grand-son-in-law and sang by his granddaughters, a salty taste of a Chick-fil-A french fry, and a taste of a cold Corona. He will be deeply missed by his family and the many friends whose lives he touched, as John leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and friendship, coupled with a career that reflects his commitment to community service. May his loving and joyous memory be a source of comfort and inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to know him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, March 14, 2024 at St. Christopher Church of St. Edmund Campion Parish, 538 Brewer Street, East Hartford at 11:00 am. Calling hours will be held prior to Mass from 9:30 – 10:30 am at the D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford. A burial will follow the funeral at Holy Cross Cemetery, 17 Wickham Road, Glastonbury. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John’s memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com.