John E. 'Butch' Pichnarcik

DURHAM - John E. “Butch” Pichnarcik, 75, passed away peacefully Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at his home. He had battled cancer in a positive way for the past 12 years while maintaining his independence until his last day.

Butch was born January 1, 1943 in Meriden, the son of the late George and Stella (Gimza) Pichnarcik. He was raised in Meriden and had served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He had been a longtime Durham resident. He worked for Pratt and Whitney for over 30 years and was President of the New Haven Raccoon Club for a number of years.

Butch is survived by his sister Edith Patterson; his brother George Pichnarcik and his wife Gail; his six nieces and nephews Leonard Ricci, Jr., Susan Palermo, John Ricci, Barbara Ruddy, Nancy Collins, Patricia Carlson; his twelve great nieces and nephews Michelle Falk, Daniel, Sara and Paul Ruddy, Michael and Jonathan Ricci, Lindsey Ricci Choo, Rachel Ricci, Stephanie and Laura Carlson, Christine and Katherine Collins. He enjoyed and cherished his 14 great grandnieces and grandnephews. This was his life. His great grandnieces and grandnephews include Haley and Jack Falk, Joshua Carlson, Derek, Boden and Jacob Ruddy, Jayden Johnson, Darren and Lillian Ricci, Kevin Ruddy, Sienna Choo, Gabriella Ricci and Joanna and Samantha Ruddy. Besides his parents Butch is predeceased by his sisters Evelyn Ricci and Louise Galipeau.

Arrangements – Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 26, 2018 at 11 am at the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 S. Main St. Burial will follow in St. Bridget Cemetery and there are no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 825 Brook St., Rocky Hill, CT 06067.