Friday, January 2, 2015 John G. Washenko (aka, Big John of the North Country) passed away. John was born January 31, 1947, son of Irene (Lynch) Washenko Chaisson and John Washenko in New York City. He is predeceased by his parents and a younger brother, Ray Washenko.
John graduated from Milford High, where he loved playing football and baseball. He received his BSW from UCONN, and his MSW from SCSU.
Johns wife used to call him St. John of Assisi because of his magnetic way with animals. John loved and defended all animals, wildlife and nature. He loved wilderness hiking, backpacking, bushwhacking, camping and whitewater canoeing. He and his wife did this extensively for many years, until John had become handicapped in 2001. They traveled to many of the National Wildlife Parks in America and Canada. His favorite was Baxter Park in Maine.
John was highly talented and skilled psychotherapist, who went above and beyond for his patients. He was a senior clinical therapist in his later years and earned his LCSW and supervised interns. He worked for agencies and in private practice. John was an excellent photographer, who specialized in wildlife and nature. He always defended the vulnerable - sometimes at quite a personal cost. He was a union steward and (Warrior / Champion) for 1199 Health Care Union. He was very generous, courageous and always a standup guy.
He leaves behind his wife of 34 years, Cher (Sherry) Aiudi Washenko, his sister, Kathy (Washenko) Cohen, and several very close inlaws and very close friends.
The Washenko family wishes to thank, Lauren, RN, Kally Cronin, APRN, and the Nurses, Aides and Staff at Hospice In Patient and Hospice Home Care; as well as all the people who cared for John at home for the many years he was ill.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. George Church, 33 Whitfield St, Guilford on Friday, January 9 at 10 am. Friends may call Thursday, January 8, from 5 8pm at the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St, Guilford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to CT Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405 or CT Humane Society, 201 Russell Rd, Newington, CT 06111.
Friday, January 2, 2015 John G. Washenko (aka, Big John of the North Country) passed away. John was born January 31, 1947, son of Irene (Lynch) Washenko Chaisson and John Washenko in New York City. He is predeceased by his parents and a younger brother, Ray Washenko.
John graduated from Milford High, where he loved playing football and baseball. He received his BSW from UCONN, and his MSW from SCSU.
Johns wife used to call him St. John of Assisi because of his magnetic way with animals. John loved and defended all animals, wildlife and nature. He loved wilderness hiking, backpacking, bushwhacking, camping and whitewater canoeing. He and his wife did this extensively for many years, until John had become handicapped in 2001. They traveled to many of the National Wildlife Parks in America and Canada. His favorite was Baxter Park in Maine.
John was highly talented and skilled psychotherapist, who went above and beyond for his patients. He was a senior clinical therapist in his later years and earned his LCSW and supervised interns. He worked for agencies and in private practice. John was an excellent photographer, who specialized in wildlife and nature. He always defended the vulnerable - sometimes at quite a personal cost. He was a union steward and (Warrior / Champion) for 1199 Health Care Union. He was very generous, courageous and always a standup guy.
He leaves behind his wife of 34 years, Cher (Sherry) Aiudi Washenko, his sister, Kathy (Washenko) Cohen, and several very close inlaws and very close friends.
The Washenko family wishes to thank, Lauren, RN, Kally Cronin, APRN, and the Nurses, Aides and Staff at Hospice In Patient and Hospice Home Care; as well as all the people who cared for John at home for the many years he was ill.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. George Church, 33 Whitfield St, Guilford on Friday, January 9 at 10 am. Friends may call Thursday, January 8, from 5 8pm at the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St, Guilford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to CT Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405 or CT Humane Society, 201 Russell Rd, Newington, CT 06111.