A Colleague Remembered

To the Editor:

I would like to pay tribute to one of the unsung heroes who kept the town running, the late John Verbanic, who recently passed away after a long and brave battle against an unrelenting illness. All who knew him will remember him as a loyal employee and loving father who showed care and consideration for all creatures big and small.

John retired in 2005 from the position of head custodian at Newtown High School. John set the bar as one of the loyal and dedicated Newtown High School employees who kept the school up and running during the worst storms and the unexpected malfunctions that inevitably occurred in such a large building. I have vivid memories of John hard at work during the summer break, leading his team on the preparation for the opening day of school in the fall.

His love of the outdoors extended to all living things, and he generously shared his knowledge of fishing, hunting, and gardening with others.

For all his skills and abilities, the attribute that John most exemplified was a deep love and devotion to his large extended family. His long marriage to his wife Amanda was a source of deep pride. Please spare a moment at this time to remember John, and extend a neighborly hand during this Father’s Day weekend to support a grieving family that have lost their Dad

Mary E. Thomas

22 Juniper Road, Newtown                                             June 13, 2009