John F. Consoli

John F. Consoli, 99, formerly of Bethany, Connecticut, beloved husband of the late Patricia H. Consoli, passed away peacefully in Vero Beach, Florida, on August 29, 2026. He was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on October 3, 1926, and was the son of the late Joseph and Helen Forte Consoli.

John was the beloved father of Susan Consoli (fiancé Frederick) of Old Saybrook, John Consoli, Jr. (Kathleen) of St. Augustine, Florida, Jodi Consoli of Williamsburg, Virginia, and Cyndi Consoli of Hamden. He was the cherished grandfather of John W. Consoli (Rachel), Josiah Consoli, Chelsea Marko, Crystal Consoli (Nate), Mary Bociek (Mike), Molly Consoli (fiancé Ken), and Autumn Massiello. He was also the proud great-grandfather of Bobbi-Jo Rutkis, Jonathan Consoli (Wendy), Julia Consoli, Kate Firth, Charles Consoli, Patrick Consoli, Trenton Consoli, August “Auggie” Bociek, Zachary Bociek, and Adrian Bociek, and great-great-grandfather of Caleb Consoli. He is also survived by several cousins and extended family members. In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his sister, Elvira Consoli Stimpson.

John proudly served his country in the United States Navy during World War II. Following his military service, he continued his education, earning a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Bridgeport in 1950 and a Master of Arts from the New York University School of Education in 1953. In 1973, he earned his Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) from the University of Sarasota.

A dedicated educator and community leader, John served as a Guidance Counselor at Eli Whitney Vocational School from 1963 to 1969 before being appointed Director of the school. His commitment to serving others extended beyond education, and in 1984, he was elected to the Connecticut State Senate, where he proudly represented the 17th District for one term. John relocated to Florida in 1997.

John was deeply proud of his family traditions and Italian heritage, which remained an important part of his life. He treasured the time he spent with his family, particularly their month-long camping trips and time enjoying the outdoors together. A talented and enthusiastic cook, John loved preparing meals and approached cooking with the skill and creativity of a chef. An accomplished craftsman, John was a master furniture builder who took great pride in handcrafting many beautiful pieces throughout the years, including his final piece, a table for his daughter that he lovingly worked on until three weeks before his passing. His routine of playing tennis into his advanced years, completing the daily crossword puzzle, and making weekly visits to the gym continued until just prior to his passing. He also had a lifelong love for classical and big band music, playing the trumpet in local bands and performing for his family. His appreciation of music extended to his last days when he asked to listen to specific selections, played bedside accompanied by a harp and guitars with singing by family and friends. His final request was to listen to his wedding song, “Because,” as he is once again reunited with his wife in heaven.

John leaves behind a lifetime of accomplishments, cherished family traditions, and countless memories that will remain with those who knew and loved him.

Friends are invited to visit with John’s family on Friday, September 25th, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 26th, directly at St. Paul VI Parish-St. Rita Church, 1620 Whitney Ave., Hamden. Burial will follow in St. Michael Cemetery, Stratford. For more information or to send condolences, please visit www.beecherandbennett.com.