John Emanuel Augeri, 90, of Middlefield, beloved husband of Karen (Nilson) Augeri, passed away suddenly on the afternoon of Monday, August 28, 2023 at his home.  He was born in Rockfall, son of Salvatore and Maria (Garafalo) Augeri.  John served as a radio operator with the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.  He was an adhoc member of the Board of Selectmen in Middlefield, a member of the Planning and Zoning Board, Middlefield/Rockfall VFW, and the Middlefield Lions Club.

His military service took him from north of the Arctic Circle to postings throughout Europe, an experience that inspired a love of travel and provided the opportunity to meet his many Sicilian aunts, uncles and cousins.  In Strasbourg, France, a simple request by a young local student to learn English from a U.S. serviceman resulted in a friendship that John would treasure all his life.

After completing his military service, John and his brother Sal were partners for several years in a construction business.  John was the quintessential builder of quality custom homes.  His clients marveled at his carpentry skills as he realized their dreams while they watched, sometimes even joining him in the work.  His workmanship was artful and flawless.  His clients were among his biggest fans and many became lifelong friends.

John built the original retail salesroom at Lyman Orchards.  Later he was the general contractor for the Clubhouse at Lyman Orchards Golf Club and Lyman's Apple Barrel market, one of the most visited attractions in CT.  His enduring professional relationship and personal friendship with John Lyman, Jr. (Jack) and the Lyman Family would transcend six decades.

On occasion, he built heirlooms for family, replicating a decorative antique shelf for his wife, desks and chests made of local oak or maple for his beloved grandsons, and chairs and tables.  He customized construction projects to improve the homes of his children.  The family heirlooms he created were often deeply rooted in personal history.  Learning masonry from his father as a young teenager, John often helped him on his jobs.  He planted a row of cedar trees, at age 14, along the driveway of a house under construction in Durham.  Decades later, that home ironically would become his wife Karen's childhood home and from the cedar trees he had planted as a child sixty years prior, John cut, milled and honed the wood himself to make a pair of beautiful cedar jewelry boxes for his young nieces.

His children have fond memories of ski trips to Vermont in the winter, clamming in Rhode Island in the summer and the annual Lions Club Carnival where John manned a booth as a Lion's member. John took his family to Europe on many occasions where his children were able to meet their Sicilian relatives and visit many of the places John visited while serving in the Air Force.

The last six months of his life, John was in passionate pursuit of his HAM radio license.  He practiced transmitting Morse Code daily and successfully completed his General License certification earning his own call sign - a joyful accomplishment.  He was enthusiastic, happy, and at age 90, truly exemplified a life well-lived.

John is survived by his wife, Karen; his former wife, Anna Augeri and their sons, David Augeri of Hopewell, NJ, Charles Augeri of Trenton, NJ, Mark Augeri of Marstons Mills, MA; daughter, Annette Augeri of Monroe Township, NJ; daughter-in-law Tina Leone of Princeton, NJ; brothers, Salvatore (Marielen) and Michael Augeri both of Rockfall; and sister, Gloria Augeri, also of Rockfall; two grandchildren, Louis Augeri of Princeton, NJ and Matthew Augeri of Tampa, FL.  John also enjoyed spending time with his nieces, nephews, extended family and close friends James Fowler, Edward Monarca and Danny Turecek.   He was predeceased by his brothers, Emanuel "Manny", Richard, and Frank; sisters, Esther Woike, Lucy Czapiga, Josie Macca, and Jennie Jennings.

Funeral Liturgy will be held on Saturday, September 16th at 11 a.m. at St. Colman's Church, Hubbard St, Middlefield.  Burial with military honors will be at Middlefield Cemetery, Middlefield.  Family and friends may gather prior to the service on Saturday from 10:00 to 11:00 at St. Colman's Church.

Those who wish may send memorial contributions to St. Colman's Church or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (www.t2t.org). To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.