John Willoughby Lyon
December 23, 1916 ~ September 18, 2003
In New Haven, September 18, 2003, John Willoughby Lyon of 655 Ridge Rd., Hamden, husband of Luciana Mocellin Lyon. Born in Kansas City, MO, Dec. 23, 1916, he was the son of the late Dr. Maclay and Alice Barnby Lyon. John died peacefully and free of pain while being held by his wife and granddaughter, April. John loved living in the New Haven area. He cherished the numerous relationships he had established during those 27 years. John called these years, the happiest of his life. The members of New Haven Rotary Club were an important part of his life. A graduate in Engineering from the University of Missouri, he received a Master's degree from the University of Kansas. After working as the Works Manager for the Whirlpool Corp. for 12 years, John founded and was President of NSC International Corp. in Hot Springs, AR, a manufacturer of Plastic Book Binding machinery. A member of the New Haven Rotary Club, he was also a member of the Quinnipack Club. Besides his wife of 27 years, he is survived by daughters: Susan L. Fox of Kansas City, MO, Marcia Lyon of Des Moines, IA, Nancy Lyon of Little Rock, AR, Lynda L. Sarver of Hot Springs, AR, a stepson and his wife, C. Bruce and Maryland Michael Gambardella of Rockland County, NY and 7 grandchildren. Funeral service will be private. Arrangements with BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 WHITNEY AVE., HAMDEN. The family requests that contributions in John's memory, be sent to The Rotary International Foundation @ The Rotary Club of New Haven, P.O. Box 1737, New Haven, CT 06507.
Dear Luciana, I am so sorry to hear that John is gone, but I know that his memory will live on for a long time. Though I didn\’t know John well, his gentility and gentleness were always obvious. I will miss him at our bridge games, but hope that you will return as soon as you feel able. Love, Barbara Sloan
Dear Luciana, My deepest sympathy for your loss. I hope to see you real soon at the bridge table. Peter (Carmela\’s partner)
Dear Mrs. Lyon, Please accept my sincere sympathy over John\’s loss. He was such a fine gentleman and I know he will be missed by everyone that knew him.
I am so very grateful to be the daughter of such a great man! I am also very grateful that my father had such a wonderful full life.
I received so many good things from my Dad. I believe that he had a good life, and I am forever grateful for that.
I was saddened to learn of my Uncle John\’s passing. I have many fond childhood memories of my family\’s visits to Hot Springs to be with the Lyon family. I am glad that he found and enjoyed a happy, full and prosperous life. My thoughts and prayers to all his family.
Luciana, TJ and I were so sorry to learn of John\’s death. We want to thank you for giving us the opportunity to get to know such a wonderful man. You both opened your hearts and home to us. We will cherish his memory and the wonderful gatherings in your home. Maureen and TJ
My father was a brilliant man. He accomplished much in his lifetime. Luciana was the love of his life. There are so many fond memories. I loved him very much and will miss him.
My second entry: My father use to get me and ice cream, every day after kindergarden. Now I am in college, due to his love, care and concern for me. I miss e-mailing him every day. I really miss seeing e-mails from him. I thank GOD for allowing me to be born to a great man, such as John W. Lyon. And I especially thank GOD, for Lucianna, for she made my father the happiest man on earth. My prayers are for Lucianna, now. Find strength, and know that the happiness you two created, lives on!
We will cherish the good memories … and bless Lucianna for giving him joy.