John P. Atwood, 56, of East Hartford, beloved husband and father, passed away unexpectedly after surgery at Hartford Hospital, on Saturday, October 18, 2014.
He was born in Hartford, CT to the late Stephen and Natalie Virginia Atwood. He grew up in Hartford, where he attended Prince Tech, made lifelong friends, and most importantly, met the love of his life, Paula. He worked for the Construction Laborers Union and then the Wadsworth Atheneum for twenty-three years.
John will always be remembered for his toughness, but also his amazing kindness. His love for animals, eagerness to help others, and generosity were truly remarkable. We will continue to cheer on the Red Sox and the Cowboys, listen to James Taylor, and read anything by Dean Koontz, in his honor.
His strength and kindness are left behind with his wife; Paula (Phelps) Atwood, his son; Daniel Atwood, daughter; Vanessa and son in law; Craig Lagano. His enduring spirit lives on with his beloved pets: Chloe, Fenway, Sarah, Savanah, and his "grand dog" Jax.
He also leaves behind his best friend and brother; Christopher Atwood and his wife Susan, brothers; Stephen Atwood and Bob Nichols, and David Atwood, sisters; Jane Souppa, Deidre Anderson and her husband David, Connie Landry and her husband Bill, a very special father and mother-in-law; Paul and Carmella Phelps, brother-in- law; John Phelps and his wife Ronnie. His love for all of his many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends will never be forgotten. He had a special bond with his god daughter, Kelly Atwood.
His spirit joins his father; Steve, mother; Natalie, sisters; Cathy, Linda, Susan and his brother; Doug.
A sincere thank you to Dr. Eric Rosenberg, Shannon Blake, PA-C and the Hartford Hospital ICU nurses.
A memorial mass to celebrate his life will be held at St. Lawrence O'Toole Church, 494 New Britain Ave, Hartford, CT on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Protectors of Animals, 144 Main Street, Unit 0, East Hartford, CT 06118. 100% of donations benefit the animals. To share a memory with the family, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com