Obituary: John (Jack) Ahearn Sr., 81, of Wolcott

Obituary courtesy of Woodtick Memorial Funeral Home

John "Jack" Ahearn Sr

December 29, 1939 ~ April 20, 2021 (age 81)

WOLCOTT, CT - John (Jack) Ahearn Sr (81) of Wolcott passed away peacefully on Tuesday April 20th, 2021 at Gaylord Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of the late Evelyn Bisaillon Ahearn for 55 years.

Jack was born Dec. 29th, 1939 in Waterbury, the son of Margaret Byrne Ahearn and Charles Ahearn, he was a graduate of Wilby High School, a member of Bristol Fish & Game, and a valued member of the Knights of Columbus.

Jack was a Machinist at Pratt & Whitney for over 40 years, contributing to their processes in ways that would become patented in the late 1960’s. Jack achieved Congressional and State Legislative recognition for the integral role he played in founding the Wolcott Volunteer Ambulance Association in 1973, where he served selflessly/tirelessly as Captain throughout his working years. He became both an EMT and paramedic. The following year he enrolled in college in an effort to become a male nurse while practicing as a paramedic for Waterbury Ambulance (WAS).
Jack set out to build a log cabin on Ebeemee Lake in Brownville Maine in 1980, where he and his wife Evelyn would later spend their retirement. As a resident of Maine Jack loved both summer and winter activities, but most of all playing golf. Jack’s favorite hole was the nineteenth, which he was more than happy to enjoy with any and every oncomer.

Along with the emergencies seen at home, Jack saw numerous fires at other lake cabins throughout his time in Maine. This drove him to create ELF, an initiative to prepare the community with the necessary equipment to both prevent and combat these scenarios, which is still being developed.

He is survived by his son Jack Jr, his significant other Dorothy Marquay, his daughter Darlene Douty, her fiancé Thomas Gardiner, as well as his two grandchildren Ryan and Karissa Douty whom he cherished. He is also survived by his sister-in-laws Helen Ahearn and Claire Bisaillon, his brother-in-law Normand Bisaillon and his companion Muffy Mendillo, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

John was predeceased by his parents Margaret & Charles Ahearn, father and mother-in-law Zephirin & Marie Bisaillon, his brother William Ahearn, and brother-in-laws Robert and Leo Bisaillon.

A Mass will be celebrated for him at 11:00 AM on Thursday, April 29th at St. Basil the Great Parish at 525 Woodtick Road in Wolcott. Those planning to attend may meet at the Wolcott Ambulance, 48 Todd Road at 10:15 Thursday morning before mass for a tribute, honoring him for being one of six members that founded the Wolcott Ambulance. A walk-through visitation will be 5:00 to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, April 28th at Woodtick Memorial Funeral Home, 420 Woodtick Road, Wolcott.

Masks and social distancing are required.

In honor of John’s kind spirit, donations can be made to the Wolcott Volunteer Ambulance Association Inc. at P.O. box 6066 Wolcott, CT 06716.