Obituary: John Cyril Drapp Jr., 73

STRATFORD, CT — (From Pistey Funeral Home): John Cyril Drapp Jr., 73, of Bridgeport, died on Saturday, March 25, 2023, after a long illness.

John was born in Bridgeport to the late John C. Drapp Sr. and Anne (Hamila) Drapp. He was a lifelong resident of the Bridgeport/Stratford area and was proud to be an East Ender. He was a star youth athlete who graduated from Summerfield and Harding High School in Bridgeport in 1967.

He was a toolmaker by trade at Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford and enjoyed playing in various basketball leagues until he suffered a work-related injury. Although he never fully recovered, after a few years, he purchased The Avenue Restaurant in Bridgeport which he operated for nearly 20 years.

John thoroughly enjoyed the self-employed entrepreneurial lifestyle because it allowed him to fulfill his childhood and life’s dream of building his own house with his very own hands for his family.

John was predeceased by his parents, a brother, Thomas A. Drapp, his aunt and second mother, Elizabeth (Betty) Hamila, and his wife of 36 years, Karen A. (Vitkowski) Drapp. He is survived by his son, Attorney John C. Drapp III (Katie) of Milford, his devoted daughter, Marisa L. Drapp of Bridgeport, a sister, Kathleen M.E. (Drapp) Kasparek of Milford, several cousins and extended family and his loving grand-dog, Lily, with whom he spent his retirement.

John often looked forward to high school reunions and could easily spend hours on the phone with his lifelong friends of which he had many, including Tony Kaledas, Pete Kasinak, and Ronnie Fabian reminiscing about the good ol’ days.

A heartfelt thank you to the many doctors who have treated and cared for John over the years including Dr. Zane Saul, Dr. Alan Nelson, Dr. Irwin Feintzeig, Dr. Justin Persico, Dr. Suhash Patel, Dr. Michael Noonan, Dr. Thomas Domanick, Dr. Maria Guoth, Dr. Reza Yavari, Dr. Pardeep Sood and his team, and recently Dr. Sandy-Jo Galati. It’s a package deal with John’s family, and you all treated him with the utmost kindness and respect while providing the very best care possible.

A sincere thank you to the nurses, aides, and respiratory team at St. Vincent’s hospital including Solange, Alyssa, Wilmene, Marlene, Karen, Sadekie, Wilza, Angela, Jacmary, Suzette, Audrine, Courtney, Chelsea, Kristin, Rob, Jhoana, Karen, Edna, and Fallon. You all provided excellent care to John and exemplified what it means to be a passionate healthcare worker.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ASPCA, the American Diabetes Association, the American Heart Association, or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Pistey Funeral Home here.