Obituary: John M. Main, 90: 'A Born And Bred Bethelite'

**Information and Photo Courtesy Hull Funeral Home**

BETHEL, CT — John M. Main, 90, of Bethel, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2023. He was the son of the late John and Edwina Main. A born and bred Bethelite, he was a graduate of Bethel High School. He went on to serve in the Air Force during the Korean War and came home to work at Senior Lumber Company and then for many years at Barden Corporation. After his retirement from Barden, he worked in the yard at Ring's End for another, almost twenty years. He was a member of the First Congregational Church of Bethel, the Korean War Veteran's Association, and the Bethel Cemetery Association.

Known as "Papa" by his family, he could come across as gruff and a bit intimidating when you first met him. But you soon learned that his bark was far worse than his bite. He had a terrific sense of humor and never missed the opportunity to drop a snide comment, always accompanied by his trademark goofy grin and a hearty "Hee, hee, hee!" He did have one iron-clad rule, however, that he made sure to pass along to each of his prospective sons-in-law before they could marry his daughters: he did not take returns.

Papa's greatest joy was his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was never happier than when holding a baby, and he always made the time to be part of whatever activities they were involved in. He enjoyed the weekly family Sunday dinners and every year made sure to put out an amazing feast for Christmas Eve. He was also a gifted craftsman who made many of the pieces of furniture in his home and always kept it in good repair with his ability to fix just about anything.

In addition to his parents, John was pre-deceased by his wife, Roberta. He is survived by his four children, Marylou Wogksch (Chris) of Bethel, Gregory Main (Susan) of Colchester, Suzanne Rodgers (Randy) of Bethel, and Debra McGrath (Tim) of Newtown. He is also survived by his grandchildren Adam (Katie), Jason (Sandra) and Daniel (Kori) Wogksch, Chris (Mao), Mike (Kelly) and Samantha Main, Claire and Jill Rodgers, and Kyle and Emma McGrath, as well as seven great-grandchildren.

Papa will be greatly missed by all of us. He was a good man who simply set a quiet example and lived a life we would all do well to emulate.

At the request of the family, funeral services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in his memory/honor can be made to the Bethel Board of Education Scholarship Fund, 1 School St, Bethel, CT 06801.