Obituary: John S. “Johnny Wrench” Balboni, 37, of East Haven

Obituary courtesy of East Haven Memorial Funeral Home:

John S. “Johnny Wrench” Balboni, 37, of East Haven, passed away after a long courageous battle with heart disease, on Saturday, July 24, 2021. He was born in New Haven on August 27, 1983, to John L. and Leah Spencer Balboni of East Haven.

Even as a young child, John had a knack for fixing things. He could look at something that needed repair and after a little trial and error, whatever he was tinkering with just magically started working again. That talent would eventually lead him to an education at Platt Technical School where he would study to become a certified mechanic.

After Platt, he was hired by the City of New Haven to work on their rolling inventory. Although he was employed by the city for a few years, he always found his way back to area garages, especially D’Urso’s. He could also be found all hours of the day and night wrenching in his garage, rebuilding motors and in his spare time, loved to attend swap meets with his best friend Mark. For John, it didn’t matter if he was working on a Mack truck or a Schwinn bicycle, he was truly in his happy place.

Besides his parents, he is survived by a sister, Michele Locke of New Haven, a brother-in-law, Thomas Locke of West Haven, grandparents, Rose D’Amato of East Haven and Gloria Calandrella of New Haven, a nephew Alexander James Locke and two nieces Audra Rose Locke and Ameleah.

He will also be missed by his large group of friends whom he considered to be just extended family. He was predeceased by grandfathers, Paul Calandrella and Sam D’Amato.

Burial services will be private and at the convenience of the family. The East Haven Memorial Longobardi – Brennan Funeral Home, 425 Main St., East Haven, 203-467-1708 was in charge of arrangements.