John D. Eichner

Our adoring Husband, Father, Grandpa "Heich" and Friend passed away on July 2, 2016.  John David Eichner was born on a -42 degree day, February 9, 1943, in Torrington to the late Helen (Meyer) Eichner and Philip Henry Eichner.
He had an adventurous childhood, often telling stories of wandering all day in the Newfield woods with his rifle hunting squirrels and pheasants.
John attended St. Francis School where he made many lifelong friends and served as an altar boy. His relationship with God remained a pillar throughout his life.
He was an avid member of the Boy Scouts, spending summers at Camp Workcoeman and attending the Philmont Jamboree.  Through his perseverance, he achieved one of the highest ranks in cub scouting, the Arrow of Light award.  He was also a competitive swimmer in the YMCA youth program.  At 14 yrs. old, he was the fastest swimmer in his event in CT.
He continued his passion for swimming at THS and was awarded a full scholarship at the University of Maryland but instead decided to follow his brother, Bill, to Niagara University.
John leaves behind his loving wife, Jean (Ruzbasan) of 50 years.  In 1961, John wooed Jean when they met while he was a lifeguard at Mt. Tom State Park.  They married on April 30, 1966, at St. Anthony's Church, Litchfield.  The day they were married, John received his draft notice for the Vietnam War.  He was stationed at Fort Sam Houston and Wm. Beaumont General Hospital where he was trained in Radiology.  John was awarded a Certificate of Achievement by Brigadier General James A. Wier.
He continued his studies at the University of Hartford and was awarded his MBA.
His teaching career included:  Professor at Middlesex Community College and Director of XRay Technology at Middlesex Hospital, Professor at Naugatuck Valley Community College. John was a popular professor that made his mark in the classroom. He was Owner and Broker of Eichner Real Estate for 46 years and was a general contractor of new homes in Torrington.
He was predeceased by his three brothers:  William, Robert and James.
John leaves behind 3 children:  Catherine and husband Bryan Bulger of West Simsbury, Lance and wife Bernadeta of Simsbury and Jason Eichner of Boston. He was "Heich" to his adoring 5 grandchildren:  Jackson, Reid, Gavin, Amelia and Julia, who gave him pure joy the past 14 years. John also had many cousins, nieces and nephews dear to his heart.
For 40 years, West Dennis, Cape Cod, was his favorite family destination.  He enjoyed fishing for Blues, metal detecting, and riding his bike.  John was also a member of the Torrington Elks Lodge #372 and The Knights of Columbus.
His other hobbies included growing 15 ft high morning glories, sunflowers, tomatoes and collecting antiques and Lionel trains.
John will always be remembered for his compassion, sense of humor and great charisma. He was one of a kind and will be forever missed.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, July 8, 2016, 5-8 p.m. at Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield St., Torrington.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, July 9, 2016, at 9 a.m. at St. Francis Church, 160 Main St., Torrington. Relatives and friends are to meet directly at St. Francis Church.  Burial will follow at St. Peter Cemetery with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in John's memory to: St. Peter/St. Francis School, 360 Prospect St., Torrington, CT.  06790.