John L. Behling, 94, of Newtown

John L. Behling

December 24, 1920 - May 13, 2015

John L Behling aka “Jack”, passed away at 94 years of age on Wednesday, May 13, with family by his side.

His loves included his vibrant gardens, artwork, writing his final book on history and events in the Middle East, his beloved wife Mary Jane, and his family each of whom he was so proud.

Jack had been a wonderful gourmet cook, active at one time in the local International club, entertaining and hosting events overlooking Taunton Lake. He was frequently sought out for patiently sharing his Veteran stories of his O.S.S. (pre CIA) years as a multilingual intelligence officer in the US Army. He looked forward to his annual invite to Newtown High School for their Veteran’s Day events.

He and Mary Jane shared a deep connection to the local St Rose’s parish. He taught many years in the public high schools in the Redding and Washington CT districts as well as Brewster NY, Univ of NJ Trenton, and later lecturing at Fordham before working at Tiffany in his retirement. He continually valued his title “Professor”.

He kept busy designing and making jewelry, collecting art, landscape oil painting and traveling the globe in his younger years, building the outdoor fireplace he needed, designing gardens, practicing his languages, developing new recipes, reading his email and his passion of staying abreast of current international events and politics while researching for his book, The DNA of Terrorism.

Jack will be missed, but never forgotten. He was truly a renaissance man.

Funeral Information

Final arrangements will be entrusted to Cornell Memorial in Danbury with visitation on May 18 at noon, service at 12:45 and a military graveside ceremony to follow at St Peters Cemetery.