Obituary: John Joseph Heaton, Jr., of New Milford

NEW MILFORD, CT -- John Joseph Heaton, Jr., of New Milford, passed peacefully in his sleep on June 21, 2018, surrounded by his loving family.

Originally from Bronx, NY, John and his family have been residents of New Milford, CT, since 1964.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John J. Heaton, Sr. and Helen A. (Donnelly) Heaton of Bronx, NY, and siblings Thomas F. Heaton of Gibsons, BC and Joseph P. Heaton of Mesa, AZ.

John is survived by his one true love, his wife of 59 years, Louise (Picchione), his children Nancy Heaton (Stephanie) of New Milford, Helen Rossi (Greg) of Martinez, CA, Kathleen Martin (Clem) of New Milford, John J. Heaton, III (Stacy) of Murrells Inlet, SC, Louis Heaton (Michelle) and Patrick Heaton (Tara) of New Milford, brothers Andrew Heaton of Groveland, MA and Kevin Heaton of Kent, 13 grandchildren, three great grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews and cousins. Near and dear to his heart were the many children who he welcomed into his home over the years, especially his nephew Adam Heaton.

John was a graduate of Iona Preparatory School in New Rochelle, NY. He was founder and chairman of the Nestle Credit Union for 17 years, served as chairman of the local union at New Milford's Nestle Facility for 20 years, ending his career as a Business Agent for the BCT Union.

He volunteered for the United Way and the Northville Fire Department, was a member of the Booster Club of New Milford High School and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a long time parishioner St. Francis Xavier Church. John served on the New Milford Sewer Commission for 17 years, including six as chairman and oversaw the construction and rehabilitation of the New Milford Sewer Plant.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Monday June 25, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Church in New Milford. Interment will follow in St. Francis Cemetery in New Milford. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, June 24, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Lillis Funeral Home, 58 Bridge Street, New Milford, CT.Contributions in John's memory may be made to New Milford VNA/Hospice, 68 Park Lane Rd., New Milford, CT 06776.