John Jack J. Lonardelli

.Jack Lonardelli, beloved husband and father, passed away peacefully on the last day of summer September 21, 2016 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Jack was the first of eight children born June 2, 1927, in Norwich to Giuseppe and Virginia Lonardelli. He is predeceased by his brother Anthony and Joseph and survived by his brother Mario and four sisters Antoinette, Bomina, Virginia and Theresa.

Jack married the lovely Jeanne Cousins on October 18, 1952 at Sacred Heart Church in Taftville. His wife of nearly 64 years has been his rock, staying by his side endless hours, days, weeks, and years. Jeanne faced each day as a blessing. He was predeceased by their eldest son John. In addition to his beloved wife he is survived by his sons Steven and James, both of Norwich, and daughter Laura of Salem, and two grandchildren Ryan and Lindsay Krodel and many extended family members.

Jack was drafted into the US Army in 1945 before completing his senior year at Norwich Free Academy. At NFA he was known for his athleticism as a member of the Class of 1946 excelling in baseball and football. He was proud to have served his nation in Europe as WWII came to a close. He returned to CT, completed his diploma, and later enrolled in Coyne Trade School in Chicago to learn the electrical trade. In 1960 he began his career at Windham Tech and later earned his teaching credentials at Central Ct State College. In 1963 he transferred to Norwich Regional Vocational Technical School. And this is where most people knew Jack, from Norwich Tech, where he was an electrical teacher and coach until retirement in 1989.

Jack played city league baseball for and jogged the Norwich Rose Arts Race for many years. He was the assistant coach for the 1965 Senior Little League World Series team who placed third in DesMoines, Iowa. The team was honored with the 50th Anniversary banquet in 2015 and though Jack was not able to attend he was remembered fondly by the team. Jack coached soccer and basketball for many years at Norwich Tech instilling in his students pride, honesty, and integrity. He was admired and respected as a coach, teacher, colleague, and was a friend to all those who worked with him. In keeping with his dedication to Norwich youth and sports, he served as the Norwich summer recreation director for many years. Jack was inducted into the Norwich Sports Hall of Fame in 1978, served as president, and was the recipient of the Joseph Kapteina award in 1992 for outstanding community service. He was proudly inducted into the NFA Sports Hall of Fame in 2007. In 1997 a soccer field was named in his honor at the Taftville recreation complex.

Calling hours are Wednesday Sept 28 from 4-8 at Labenski Funeral Home, 107 Boswell Ave. Mass will be held at 10am at Sacred Heart Church in Taftville on Thursday September 29. He will be interred in St Joseph Cemetery with military honors.

In memory of Jack Lonardelli an annual Sportsmanship Award will be established for a Norwich student-athlete through the Norwich Sports Hall of Fame. Contributions can be made to the Norwich Sports Hall of Fame c/o President Leslie Christie, 461 Bank Street, Unit P3, New London CT 06320. Please visit www.labenskifuneralhome.com to leave an online condolence for the Lonardelli family.