John Leniart, longtime resident of Shelton, peacefully passed away surrounded by family on July 21. He was 94 years old.

Born in Bridgeport, he was the son of the late Marcin Leniart and the late Anna Wasilewska Leniart. John graduated from Harding High School. He served in the National Guard of Connecticut while working for Bridgeport Brass Company prior to enlisting in the United States Army. He completed his basic military training at Fort Bragg, N.C., and proceeded on to the Army Reserve where he served for eight years in Military Intelligence Language Interrogation and Interpretations.

After serving his country, John worked numerous jobs, and settled in as a tool and die maker at Schick in Milford, where he worked for 29 years until retirement.

John was a longtime active member of St Lawrence Parish where three of his children attended elementary school. He was an avid bowler for decades and earned several Senior Olympics medals. John was also a passionate philatelist, who belonged to the Nutmeg Stamp Club where he served as president for a period of time.

Other interests included fishing, golfing, billiards, gardening, going to the casino, and watching Yankees baseball. Later in life he also enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, playing pinochle, Mexican Train Dominos, bingo and Po-ke-no. He had a sense of humor, and intentionally as well as unintentionally kept his family laughing right until the end.

The greatest joy and accomplishment of John’s life was his family, for whom he was an amazing provider. Over the years, John looked forward to watching his children and granddaughter participate in a variety of sports and activities. He enjoyed family traditions including Sunday dinner and holiday celebrations. Along with these traditions, he has left us with beautiful memories of summer camping adventures including a cross-country trip. What John most enjoyed above all was spending time with his family, whether it was simply sitting around on a lazy Sunday afternoon, going out to lunch, or vacationing. These are the reasons for which he will be most remembered and dearly missed.

John is survived by his wife of 54 years, Constance; his four children, Anthony Piaty of Shelton, Kristine Lucker (Brian) of Monroe, Joseph Leniart (Samran) of Framingham, Mass., and Susan Leniart (Matt) of Shelton; and beloved granddaughter Abigail Lucker of Monroe.

He was predeceased by his parents, Marcin and Anna Leniart; a daughter, Barbara Piaty; sister Irene Magyar; and brother Edwin Leniart.

Friends are invited to calling hours Thursday, July 24, from 4 to 6 pm, at Spadaccino & Leo P. Gallagher & Son Community Funeral Home, 315 Monroe Turnpike (Route 111) in Monroe. A Mass of Christian Burial is planned for Friday, July 25, at 10 am, at St Lawrence Church, 505 Shelton Avenue (Route 108) in (Huntington) Shelton. Interment will immediately follow at St Michael’s Cemetery, 2205 Stratford Avenue in Stratford.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas TX 75284-0692 (heart.org).