John Robert Polletta, 60, of North Haven, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 2, 2015 at his home with his family by his side. He was the husband of Ann G. Pettit Polletta. John was born in New Haven on May 21, 1954, son of Joseph and Jean Ruggiero Polletta; was a graduate of Albertus Magnus College obtaining a Bachelor’s degree and obtaining a Master’s degree in Education from the University of New Haven. John worked as a Service Representative for the SNET Company for twenty-four years; was an Elementary School Teacher at Regional 16 and for the past forty years was a Church Music Director and Organist for several area churches. John was Teacher of the Year at Region 16 in 2009, was a member of the National Pastoral Musicians (NPM), Past President of the local Hartford Chapter of NPM and was a volunteer at the Columbus House, New Haven. Father of Jennifer Menillo (Anthony) and Lauren Kowalewski (Robert). Grandfather of Anthony, Connor and Briana. Brother-in-law of Paula Saunders. Uncle of Frank Saunders (Margaret), Errica Hawes (Chris) and Grace Stern (David). Also survived by many aunts, great-nieces and nephews, cousins and close friends.
His funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, Tuesday morning at 9:15. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Joseph Church, New Haven at 10:00. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. The visiting hours will be Monday from 4 to 8 pm.
John enriched my life with his musical talent and will forever be in my heart. Peace to all his family and friends. We were blessed to have known him and may he now rest in peace.
My heart breaks for all of you! You have had a long, long hard road. He handled it with courage and grace…now, peace at last…God has called him home. May all the memories made over the last 12 years be a comfort to you. You have to know he wont be far from your side until you meet again. Love you!
I miss you already daddy but I know you are in good hands. Watch over us and please let my little girl come out healthy!!
John was a tremendously gifted and caring individual. His musical direction of the choir, his expertise and guidance in choosing a beautiful replacement church organ, as well as the many times he offered my late husband and I comfort and support will never be forgotten. May he rest now in peace and may his family and friends find comfort in the knowledge that he was loved and respected and will be missed.
John was my son Ryan's 5th grade teacher. He was the first male teacher he had ever had. What a wonderful experience it was for him to have him as a teacher! He got my son to love reading and excel in so many areas. He was a true inspiration. He was a wonderful, caring, sweet man. We kept in touch for many years and it was always a joy to see and hear from him.
Prayers to the whole family. All our love.
Melissa, Ryan and Kim
John was always someone I considered a friend. He uplifted my life in so many ways, and always went out of his way for others. I wish more people were like him. Heaven gained another guardian angel, to watch over us in this now horrible world. God Bless my friend. Much love and prayers.
I am very sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in Gods promise of paradise.
Acts 24:15 – Psalms 37:29
Ann, Jennifer, and Lauren: I am so sorry for your loss. I know only too well of the grief associated with a father's death, but know that now your dad is breathing free and unencumbered in Heaven with those who have gone before you.
Ann: My love to you. We are here for you. Claudia
Ann and family…..my thoughts are with you and with this message I am sending peace and love to all. Loss is never easy but I do know they are always with us after moving on. You now have one more angel looking out for everyone!
Godspeed to John.
Love, Jean
My dearest John,
I will miss you so much.
Love,
Merle
I am so sorry for his lists I knew him from Saint Pauls Church when he use to play the organ and I was in the choir also I am so sorry for his family I am sending my sympathy to his family……
Ann:
It's been a long time and I'm so sorry to be contacting you to deliver condolences on the passing
of John. I didn't have the privilege of meeting him, but love and loss and grief is universal – it knows no boundaries. I send heartfelt blessings to you and your family during this very painful time. I know your loving memories will help you through this time.
Love and blessings
Jill Faenza & Family
John I remember you fondly as a fifth grade teacher at laurel Ledge School. You have a gift that will remain in the hearts of many.
Dear Ann, Lauren and Jenny,
Your husband and father was a dear friend to me for many years, and was one of those people in life that you always new truly cared about you! He was a friend when may others were not.
We have shared many a laugh and many tears together. After a long and courageous battle he is at peace and is embraced by the One who cares for him more than can be imagined.
John will always be in my heart and in my prayers – as are each of you! May God console you and give you strength.
My love and prayers,
Fr. Jim Kelly, OP
My daughter had John as her teacher and loved him. I had the opportunity to work with him at Laurel Ledge School. He loved what he did and was well liked by everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Sheila Brennan
I am very sorry for your loss. Although I did not know your loved one personally, I hope knowing that they are in our loving heavenly Father's memory will bring your family comfort during this difficult time. Very soon now we can look forward to God's promise at a Revelation 21:4: "… Death will be no more, neither will mourning, nor outcry, nor pain be anymore, the former thing have passed away."