Obituary: John 'Josh' M. Stevens, 77, of Wallingford

WALLINGFORD, CT - (From Wallingford Funeral Home) John “Josh” M. Stevens, 77, of Wallingford, loving husband of Ann Marie (Barillaro) Stevens, who were married for 56 years, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family, Friday January 29, 2021 at Hartford Hospital.

John was born to the late William and Eleanor (Dorau) Stevens, a graduate of Wilcox High School and lifelong resident of Wallingford.

John was employed by Wallace Silversmiths for 25+ years until they moved out of state; later he worked for O.F. Mossberg & Sons.

John was an avid sportsman who loved spending time fishing and hunting with family and friends. He started several area sports clubs and was a life member at the Wallingford Rod and Gun Club. John had been the club’s fishing chairman for many years.

He planned and looked forward to the annual kids fishing derby. He headed fundraisers throughout the year to make sure the fishing derby was the best experience for all of the kids.

John loved life and loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He went to every mountain bike race, soccer, baseball, lacrosse, and ice hockey game that he could. He liked to cheer loud; and he was not bashful telling the officials when he disagreed with a call.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter Gina Kupec and her husband Tim of Wallingford; his son John Stevens Jr. and his wife Suzanne (Fontana) of Killingworth; and his grandsons who were his pride and joy: Jake and Tyler Stevens and TJ Kupec; his brother William Stevens and his wife Ruth of Durham and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his sister Mary Lou Parisi; brother-in-law Louis Parisi of Wallingford; and brother-in-law Robert Barillaro of Vero Beach FL.

His family would like to express their appreciation to the pulmonary ICU staff at Hartford Hospital for the compassionate care and comfort they provided.

John’s family will receive relatives and friends at The Wallingford Funeral Home 809 No. Main St., Ext., Wallingford Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. A mass will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at The Church of the Resurrection, 115 Pond Hill Rd, Wallingford.

COVID-19 precautions and face covering are required at the funeral home and church service. Friends unable to attend may view the service via a livestream located on his online obituary page at www.wallingfordfh.com.

Memorial contributions may be made in John’s name to JDRF (formerly Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) https://www.jdrf.org/.