John Fenton

NAUGATUCK, CT John Herb “Jack” Fenton, 80, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2024, after a short but courageous battle with cancer. Jack was surrounded by his loving family and friends as well as his exceptional hospice and home care team.

Jack was born January 26, 1944, in Waterbury, the son of the late David William and Anne Marie Fenton, and was raised in Naugatuck where he made his forever home. Jack lived a life filled with love, adventure, and compassion.

Jack was a devoted husband to Nancy Lee Griffin Fenton until she passed in 1998. He is survived by his brother, Robert E. Fenton, and his long-term girlfriend, Donna Cleary. He leaves behind many family members; a sister-in-law, a nephew, five nieces, and multiple cousins as well as many friends all of whom were touched by his warm spirit and big heart. In addition to his parents, Jack was predeceased by his brothers, William and James Fenton.

Jack's career at Uniroyal Chemical spanned several decades. His colleagues remember him as a dedicated, hardworking individual who always went the extra mile and made the hours short with good humor.

Jack's adventurous spirit led him to travel extensively across his beloved country, the UK and Europe. He deeply appreciated good food, good music and gracious company. Jack always found joy in new experiences. Jack particularly enjoyed golf, playing cards and horse racing with countless trips to Saratoga with his brothers, Bobby and Jimmy, where they shared many memorable moments. In Jack’s younger years, he enjoyed playing basketball and also played bass drum for the Naugatuck Fife and Drum Corp.

A devoted animal lover, Jack had a special place in his heart for cats. He fed and cared for multiple feral cats and extended his kindness to the raccoons that occasionally joined the feast! His compassion for animals was a defining aspect of his character.
Jack's memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him and in the lives of the many animals he provided food, shelter, and love.

Family and friends will gather to honor and celebrate Jack's life, with calling hours from 4:00 to 6:00pm and with a service at 6:00pm on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at the Buckmiller Thurston Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Avenue, Naugatuck. In lieu of flowers and to honor Jack’s memory, the family requests donations be made to Whiskers Pet Rescue, 134 Main St., Southbury, CT 06488, reflecting Jack's lifelong love for animals.

Rest in peace, Jack. You will be deeply missed, and your spirit, kindness, and love will forever be remembered and cherished.