John V. Zuppe, a lifelong Ivoryton resident, passed away peacefully at Yale New Haven Hospital surrounded by his loving family on Oct. 24 at the age of 92. Born March 31, 1931, he attended Pratt High School and later served in the U.S. Army from 1952 through 1954. He worked as a carpenter and a mason for many years and later as a pressman for UARCO in Deep River until his retirement in 1993.

John, better known as Papa, enjoyed fishing, working in his vegetable garden, and watching New York Mets baseball and UConn Huskies basketball. He also loved spending time on his computer, checking the news, and looking for interesting recipes as he truly enjoyed cooking. But he loved his family most of all.

He leaves behind his children Suzanne (Brian) Isacson of Waterford; John (Tami) Zuppe of Deep River; Bill (Paula) Zuppe of Vero Beach, Florida; and Mark (Lisa) Zuppe of Oakdale, along with nine incredible grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren; and his dear friend Lillian Comstock. He is predeceased by his wife, Dorothy Hammond Zuppe, and his beloved grandson Tyler Zuppe.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4, at The First Congregational Church of Deep River, 1 Church Street in Deep River. A gathering at the Swede Club, 10 Riverview Avenue in Deep River, will follow. Please join us to Celebrate a Life well lived. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s name to the Shoreline Soup Kitchen and Pantries, the American Red Cross, or any charity of your choice. To share a memory of John or send a condolence to his family, please visit www.rwwfh.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home in Centerbrook.