HAMPTON, Connecticut – John A. Bear, 86, of East Hampton, CT, quietly passed away shortly after midnight on Friday, December 22, 2017. He was born on February 12, 1931, in Presque Isle, ME, and was the youngest child of Edith (Dustow) and Mitchell Bear. His upbringing instilled those most valued qualities of integrity, honesty, modesty, service to country and, most importantly, love of family.
John was a devoted and loving husband to his wife, Lenora (Ferrigno) Bear, for 62 years. Besides his wife, he is survived by his four children and their spouses, Carolyn and Robert McEvitt, Christine and Brian Hurt, John Jr. and Susan Bear, and Mark and Victoria Bear. He also leaves nine grandchildren, Melinda Hurt, Andrea Hurt, Patrick Hurt, John Jr. Bear, Emily Bear, Andrew Bear, Michael Bear, Peter Bear, and Janay Bear, and one great-grandchild, Makenzie Hurt. He dedicated his life to providing for and protecting his family.
John was a retired civil engineer for the state of Connecticut as well as spent his time as a private land surveyor. He enjoyed working on various projects around the house whether they involved home maintenance or machinery. He especially loved his music and would spend time every night playing his guitar or giving music lessons to youngsters. John was a member of the Walter K. Bauer Band as well as provided music in the past for folk Masses at St. Patrick’s in East Hampton and St. John Fisher in Marlborough. John also enjoyed coaching little league baseball while his sons were growing up.
John A. Bear was a good man. He took a sincere interest in everything and everyone. He was one of the gentlest souls that God placed on this earth. His life was straightforward and genuine.
A Funeral Liturgy was celebrated on Wednesday, December 27, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. in St Patrick Church in East Hampton, CT. Burial will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to East Hampton Little League Association, P.O. Box 46, East Hampton, CT 06424, OR to St. Patrick’s Church, 47 West High St., P.O. Box 177, East Hampton, CT, 06424-0177. To leave online condolences, please visit www.spencerfuneralhomeinc.com
