Sirick, John

John Sirick, 93, a resident of Newington, died Monday, January 1 at Hartford Hospital after a brief illness. Born in New Britain on June 25, 1930 he was the son of Joseph and Anna (Tynek) Shevick. He attended local schools, graduating from New Britain High School in 1948 where he developed his love of music. Gifted by God with a beautiful baritone voice, he participated in various high school choral groups under the direction of “Doc” Merliani.

John was proud of his service to his country in the U.S. Army from 1951 – 53. He was a medic at the American Field Hospital in Berlin, Germany, serving as an operating room technician. After his time in the army, he attended Hillyer College, graduating in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting as a member of the first graduating class of the University of Hartford when it transitioned from Hillyer.

After graduation John became an auditor for the Hartford Insurance Co. In 1967 he joined the U.S. Dept. of Defense as an auditor and was stationed at Electric Boat, Kaman Aircraft, Hamilton Standard and Pratt & Whitney from which he retired in 1995.

Most important in John’s life were his family, faith and music. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Cynthia (Zemantic), 2 daughters and sons-in-law, Melissa Josefiak (Lucian) of Westbrook and Sarah Bailly (John) of Newington, 4 grandchildren, Cora Josefiak and Rebekah, Rachael and Jacob Bailly as well as nieces,nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews and several dear cousins. John was predeceased by two brothers and three sisters; Michael Shevick, Lester Sirick, Lovey Shevick ,Mary Dipinto and Katherine Sandquist.

John was a life-long member of St. Mary’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church in New Britain. He was one of a trio of men to be the first of the parish to be ordained as sub-deacons in 1988 by Archbishop Antony. Active within the parish in many capacities, his melodious voice was an asset in the choir for decades. He also served as a trustee and a financial officer of the parish council, an officer of the Scholarship Committee and the Ukrainian Orthodox League as well as co-chairing the Angel s Club and the bread-baking group. In September of 2023, John was awarded the St. Andrew First-called Apostle Medal for his service to the church by His Eminence Metropolitan Antony.

Proud of his heritage, John performed as a member of Yevshan, a Ukrainian choral group. He had great interest in that country’s historical and cultural background, traveling there in 2002 to experience the beauty of the country.

John’s love of music gave him great joy. He performed with the New Britain Musical Club and the annual “Messiah” concert, serving on the board of directors of both groups. He also sang with the New Britain Opera Association and the quartet “Ernestly Yours” named after the former New Britain philanthropist, Ernest Brainard,, the proceeds from those performances being donated to the New Britain Boys and Girls Club in Mr. Brainard’s memory.

The Sirick family expresses its deep gratitude to the staff of the Bliss 7 step-down unit at Hartford Hospital, especially Sara, Robyn and Anna for their kind and sensitive care of John through his final journey. Also, loving thanks go to his Visiting Angels aides, Ladi, Ransford, Kofi, George, Alice, Ivy and Jackie for their affection, understanding and respect.

Funeral services are Friday (January 5, 2024) 10 AM at St. Mary Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 534 Winter Street, New Britain. Burial will follow with military honors in St. Mary Ukrainian Cemetery. Calling hours are Thursday from 4-7PM with a Panakhyda service at 6PM at Carlson Funeral Home, 45 Franklin Square, New Britain. Calling hours will also be held Friday morning from 9 to 10 AM at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to the V. Rev. Mitred Peter Kowalchyk Scholarship Fund, St. Mary’s UOC, 54 Winter Street, New Britain 06051. Please share a memory or note of sympathy at www. carlsonfuneralhome.com

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