John M. Nettis, Sr., 92, of Cromwell, husband of the late Carol (Bordonaro) Nettis, died peacefully Monday, February 19, 2024, at his home.

John was born in Middletown, son of the late Philip Vito and Antonina (Cornelio) Nettis.  Prior to his retirement, John was employed at A.I. Prince Technical High School in Hartford as an Autobody instructor/department head.  He was a veteran of the Korean War serving with the U.S. Army.

Everybody who knew John thought he was the sweetest man they knew. He was always willing to help anybody in need. John would often be found working on numerous projects in his well-stocked garage or riding his tractor out in the yard. Family and friends were always amazed by his ingenuity. He was inventive, clever and always found creative ways to solve problems. He had a way of being calm under pressure, was a great teacher and always had plenty of useful knowledge to share with everyone. In his younger years, he loved camping with the love of his life, Carol, their three children, and the "Potluckers". They would host many family gatherings at their home which was filled with joy and happiness. He enjoyed playing "Ting-a-ling" with family and friends, gardening in the yard and being surrounded by his family, which he loved more than anything else.

John is survived by two daughters, Toni Beebe, of New Port Richie, Fl. and Cheryl Martin and her husband Joseph of Cromwell, five grandchildren, Stephanie Mierz, Michael Mierz and his wife Darielle, Shauna Nettis, Marissa Martin, Mackenzie Martin, four great-grandchildren, Anna Foremen, Kylee Foreman, Sebastion Mierz, Vincent Mierz, two sisters, Rosemarie Perez of Portland and Lucy Branciforte of Middletown. John was predeceased by a son, John Jr., a son-in-law, Thomas Beebe, two brothers, Sebastian and Patsy Nettis and sister, Grace Branciforte.

A Funeral Liturgy will be held Monday, February 26th at 10 a.m. at Saint John Church, Cromwell. Burial with military honors will follow at Saint Sebastian Cemetery, Middlefield. Friends may call at Biega Funeral Home 3 Silver Street Middletown on Sunday, February 25th from 4 to 6 p.m. To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.