John A. Vasellina

John A. Vasellina "Johnny Vas" 89, of New Britain, husband of Elizabeth "Betty" Vasellina, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at home surrounded by his loving family. Born in New Britain, he was the son of the late Albert Vasellina and Amelia (Naples) Vasellina. Johnny was a graduate of New Britain High School, Class of 1944. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II, serving in the 3rd Armor Division as a tank driver having fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He was an owner and president of Par Manufacturing, retiring in 1989. He was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Church and was a former member of Elks Lodge #957 in New Britain. Johnny enjoyed many sports, including tennis, golf and racquetball. He was a member of the YMCA for over 60 years, and enjoyed meeting his friends at the Health Club, playing cards and playing racquetball. A favorite past time was challenging and beating his family at cribbage. As a volunteer, he helped arrange golf tournaments for St. Francis of Assisi Church, pasta dinners at St. Maurice Church, and many fundraising events at St. Thomas Aquinas High School. In 1987, Johnny initiated the reunions for the "Olde Gas House Gang", a childhood group of lifelong friends from Cherry Street. He spent the past 30 years wintering at Lakeside Village in Palm Beach and leaves behind a group of dear friends there. While in Florida, he volunteered as a child mentor for the Police Athletic League. He also enjoyed summers at Hawks Nest Beach in Old Lyme with his family. Surviving are his wife, Betty; five children, Susan and Craig Johnson, Patty and Dennis LaVette, John and Phyllis Vasellina, Jim and Susan Vasellina and Janice and Rob Josephson; eleven grandchildren, Corey, Ian, Neil, Kyle, Justin, John Paul, Jeremy, Adam, Daniel, Kevin, Kelly Jane; one great-grandson, Ian Christopher; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister and brother-in-law, Rosalie and Edward Abraham; three brothers, Art, Tony, and Venture Perretta; and by his first wife, Ida (Garesio) Vasellina. He was a prince among men, and a second father to many. His strength, determination and huge heart, along with his infectious smile and quick wit are a perfect example of a life well lived. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 12 Noon directly at St. Francis of Assisi Church. Burial, with military honors, will be in St. Mary Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 3-6 PM at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home, 411 South Main St. Memorial donations may be made to St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1755 Stanley St., New Britain, CT 06053 or to the Office of Radio and Television, 15 Peach Orchard Rd., Prospect, CT 06712.