John Morgan Lyons, Sr.

john lyons, sr.
John Morgan Lyons, Sr., 92, husband of 55 years to the late Cecilia Pichnarcik Lyons, passed away Jan. 20, 2013 after a brief illness.He was born in New Haven, Feb. 16, 1920 a son of the late George W. Lyons, Sr. and Emma Muggleton Lyons and was a Hamden resident since 1953. After serving in the US Army during WW II, he was employed in his family's business, The Bilco Company until 1986 when he retired as Chairman of the Board. Mr. Lyons was very active in his community having been a long time member of the Lions Club and involved for many years on St. Rita Church and St. Rita School councils. He served as a board member of several organizations, including the New Haven Savings Bank, Junior Achievement, Literacy Volunteers of New Haven, Sacred Heart Academy and the Clelian Adult Day Care Center. He was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters from Albertus Magnus College in 2001. He is survived by his children; Sheila Wallace of Lakeville, MA., Pamela (John) Griffin of Madison, Cynthia (Steven) Sullivan of San Jose, CA, Catherine Lyons (Chip Caton) of Bloomfield, Linda (Christopher) Ruzzi of Stamford, Janet (David) Fowler of Hamden, Deborah (Daniel) Cavanaugh of Shrewsbury, MA, Karen (Sean) Aherne of Shrewsbury, MA, John M. Lyons, Jr. of Larchmont, NY, Brian A. Lyons of New Haven, Rodney T. Lyons of Hamden. Brother of Robert J. (Nancy) Lyons, Sr. of North Branford, William C. (Barbara) Lyons, Sr. of Branford. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, and 32 nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by a daughter Susan Elizabeth Lyons, a sister Dorothy Joyce Berg, and brothers George W. Lyons, Jr., and Edward F. Lyons, Sr. The family would like to thank long-term caregiver, Michael Larbi, and the wonderful staff at Evergreen Woods Health Center for their loving care. Funeral from BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 WHITNEY AVE., HAMDEN, Thursday, Jan. 24, at 9:30 AM. Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated in St. Rita Church at 10 AM. Friends may call Wednesday from 4-7 P.M. Interment in St. Mary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent to the Clelian Adult Care Center, 262 Benham St., Hamden, CT 06514, or to St. Rita School, 1601 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT 06517.

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  1. Catherine, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Relish in the memories of your time together during his full life.

  2. Catherine, Reading about your father made me realize the important of family and how this structure influences us. You as your father before you have been a wonderful influence in the community. Our thoughts are with you. Dale and Vikki

  3. Dear Pam, John, kids and the rest of the family, My heart goes out to you in this time of sadness. We are so sorry for your loss. Love, Laurie Fran and Johnny

  4. Dear Sheila and family: Please accept my heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your dad. Losing a parent is never easy but I know he had a good life and that you were all there to support him. Always remember the good times and know that he will live on in your hearts! Donna Rubinate

  5. My condolences on the loss of your dad. My prayers are with you Sheila and your family during this difficult time. Personal regards, Margie & Roland

  6. Our heartfelt sympathy to all of you on the death of your father. He was a great man and we’re so grateful for all the goodness that he shared with us here at SHA. Know that you have the promise of our prayerful support. Sr. Mariette Moan, ASCJ and SHA Alumnae Association

  7. Dear Catherine and The Lyons Family, My thoughts are with you during this very sad time. I hope that your memories of your Dad will live on and always keep you strong. Sincerely,

  8. Dear Sheila, Thinking of you during this difficult time. I know how much your Dad meant to you; know that he will always be in your heart! Peace Karyl

  9. I was at the Clelian Adult Day Center for 23 years with 10 of those as Director. John and Ceil were the most wonderful and generous couple. We knew them through St. Rita Church also. They always spoke of their wonderful family. I had contact with Pam mostly. It is so wonderfu to know that they are with the Lord and each other now. I know the Lord welcomed them with open arms saying .welcome you good and faithful servants.. They were both an inspiration to me because of their goodness and how they cared for others. John used to go to my husbands restaurant, The Soup Shop for a bowl of pea soup that he loved. Our prayers are with you all. We are in Florida for the winter sinced i retired from Clelian last year. The Lyons family never forgot us and our lives have been so enriched knowing them. God bless you all. Sorry we willl not be there to attend the services but be sure of our prayers. Les and Doreen Mosko

  10. Karen & the entire Lyons family, Had not had the opportunity to chat with ‘Dad’ in several years, but I very much enjoyed my time with him and ‘Mom’ back in the day. Thoughts are with you at this difficult time. I’m sure he and Mom are looking down on the 1001 children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other family members, and smiling. Love, Sumeet

  11. Dear Catherine, Robb and I just got back into town and we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you – and your entire family. Diana

  12. Dear Lyons Family… Just learned of John’s passing. We are very sorry for your loss. You may recall that Ceil and John were dear friends to my parents for years, and certainly enriched their lives with their love and companionship. We will never forget either of them… They were truly wonderful people.


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