John F. Priola, of Newington, beloved husband of Beatrice (Stone) Priola, passed away Thursday, February 14, 2013, with his loving family by his side. He was born in Hartford son of the late John D. and Elizabeth (Tisdale) Priola and had lived in Newington for over 40 years. Prior to his retirement, John owned and operated Dillon-Chapin Florist for over 40 years. He demonstrated artistic talents in each floral arrangement he created and made many generations of his customers extremely happy. Besides his beloved wife Bea; he is survived by three devoted daughters and sons-in-law, Marnie and Marc Schulman of Glastonbury, Darcie and Alex DePase of Newington, and Carlie and Jarrod Fisher of Newington; eight grandchildren, Madison and Karah Schulman, Alexa, Ella, Ava and Emma DePase, Caroline and Connor Fisher; his sister, Doreen Drago and her husband Thomas of Unionville and their daughter Lauren; his great aunt Mary Patricia Priola of Newington; a nephew and his wife, Jared and Maria Laufer and their daughters, Katie and Isabel; a sister-in-law, Elaine Laufer of Florida; and many cousins and friends. He was loved and will be missed by all who knew him.
Friends are invited to attend visiting hours Monday, Feb. 18, 2013, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Tpke. Wethersfield. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Contributions in his memory may be made to: The American Lung Association, 45 Ash St. East Hartford, CT 06108. Please honor John and join our team, Madison Climbers, at "THE CLIMB", City Place April 6, 2013, www.htfdclimb@lunge.org. To share a memory with the family, please visit, www.dillonbaxter.com.