John Shackelford

John Shackelford, 70, of New Milford, CT, went home to the Lord on September 5, 2021 at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital in Torrington, CT.

John was born on December 28, 1950 in Parkersburg, WV to the late June Fiess Shackelford and Charles Shackelford. He loved the Lord and attended Calvary Southbury Church. John studied flute and voice at the Juilliard in NYC and performed in various Opera productions throughout the United States and parts of Europe; most notably: Radames in Aida (Cleveland Opera), and Samson in Samson and Delilah (Hawaii Opera Theatre), and the title role in Lohengrin on tour in France. He later taught music and voice at the Canterbury School in New Milford, CT. He loved technology and was also known for his dry wit and varied knowledge of unusual facts.

John is survived by his wife, Laura Shackelford; his sister Susan Shackelford Pierce of Madison Alabama; his “favorite” Aunt Fran Caldwell and Uncle Hesh Caldwell of New Martinsville, WV; cousins: Peter Caldwell, Kathy Caldwell Cecil, David Baldwin, Richard (Dick) Baldwin, Charles (Chuck) Baldwin, Drevis Lowry. Nephews/Nieces: Jon Pierce, David Pierce, Emily Larkins, Kathryn Bradley and Cheryl Pierce.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, October 5th, at 1 p.m. at Calvary Southbury: 354 Kettletown Road, Southbury, CT (203) 267-5441. Please join us for refreshments and visiting at the church following the service from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm. If you are not able to attend in person, this service will be streamed on the YouTube site under Calvary Southbury.

Arrangements by the Lillis Funeral Home, 58 Bridge Street, New Milford, CT.