John F. Lewis, Jr.

Holden/Windsor Locks, CT - John F. Lewis, Jr., 75, died peacefully on Sunday, September 25, 2022, at UMass Memorial Medical Center - University Campus, Worcester. He was born in New Britain, CT, the son of the late John F. and Agnes (Kaplan) Lewis and had lived in Holden for 38 years.

John graduated from Windsor Locks High School in 1964 and later the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY in 1968, with a bachelor's degree in Engineering. John traveled the world as a Merchant Marine and later worked for 40 years at Travelers Insurance as an Engineer in the Risk Control division. He married the love of his life, Barbara (Dean) in 1970. The couple lived in Ohio for 9 years before settling in Holden in 1984. John was a devout member of St. Mary's Church in Jefferson for many years. He leaves several dear friends at "The Seasons at Salisbury" where he actively participated in community events and sat on committees in support of the community. More than anything, John treasured spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, whom he lovingly supported in all of their endeavors.

John was predeceased by his beloved wife, Barbara (Dean) Lewis in 2013. He will be lovingly missed and remembered by his daughters, Jennifer E. Gruber and her husband, Eric of North Attleboro and Jessica A. Schneider and her husband, John of Sturbridge; his son, Michael D. Lewis and his wife, Lilias of Shrewsbury; his sisters, Diane Pohorylo and her husband, Chet of Windsor Locks, CT and Monica Tofil and her husband, Andy of Surprise, AZ; his grandchildren, Jake and Kyle Gruber, Jack and Katie Schneider, and Evan and Colin Lewis; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, October 2, 2022, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Monday, October 3, 2022, at St. Mary's Church, 114 Princeton St., Jefferson. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, 1326 Main St., Holden. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to a cause that John supported for many years - kidney disease - the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd St., NY, NY 10016. To share a memory or offer an online condolence visit the "Tribute Wall" on this page.