John Philip Fichera

John Philip Fichera, beloved husband of Emma Fichera, passed away peacefully on Saturday, (May 28, 2011) at St. Francis Hospital surrounded by his family. John was born in Floridia, Sicily to the late Salvatore and Cecilia (Leonardo)Fichera. When John was 15 he emigrated to the United States and settled in Hartford, CT where he graduated from Hartford High. After serving in the US Army John matriculated to the University of Connecticut and earned a degree in Romance Languages. John began his career at Connecticut National Bank where he worked for 10 years. He then invested his entrepreneurial spirit and his childhood love of hardware stores into becoming the owner of Burnside Hardware in 1976 and Main Hardware in 1983.John was proud to be both an Italian and an American. He greatly enjoyed his frequent visits to his homeland and many wonderful family memories were made in Italy. He loved the sunset view from his brother’s farm, visits to the local beaches and discovering new recipes to cook back home. It was important to John to teach his family about the world through travel. Their family trips shaped their bond to each other as well as their sense for knowledge and adventure. John touched the lives of a great many people through his business years in East Hartford, his involvement in the local Mormon Church and his years of membership in the Italian-American Stars Club in Hartford. He leaves a legacy of generosity, fortitude, courage and dedication to his family. His family and friends will forever hold him close to their hearts. He is survived by his wife of 45 years Emma (Jones) Fichera; his children Penny and Thomas Lotito, Christine Fichera and Todd Parker, Edward and Bridget Fichera and Mark Fichera; his grandchildren Tommy and Tyler Lotito and Nathan and Avery Parker; and his great-grandson Bentley Roy. He also leaves behind his brothers Eduardo, Attilio and Paul Fichera and his dear cousins Linda Hawkins and Rose Fichera-Eagan and their families. His family will receive friends on Tuesday, (May 31, 2011) from 4-7 p.m. at the Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home, 136 South Main Street, West Hartford. The funeral service will be on Wednesday (June 1, 2011) at 10 a.m at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1000 Mountain Road, Bloomfield, CT. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, West Hartford. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The American Cancer Society or the American Heart Society. For directions and online condolences, please visit www.taylorandmodeen.com.

John Philip Fichera

July 18, 1939 - May 28, 2011