Jon M. Tewksbury, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, went to be with the Lord on June 18, 2022.  He was born in Hartford, CT on July 19, 1946, son of the late Wesley and Anna Mae (Wrinn) Tewksbury.  He is survived by his Loving wife of 42 years, Deborah (Piantek) Tewksbury; sons, Jon and his wife Jennifer (Pace) Tewksbury, Mark Tewksbury, and Ryan and his wife Jennifer (Miller) Tewksbury; grandchildren, Allison, Autumn, Shane, Derek, Trevor, Brooklynn and Beckham; brothers, Coe Tewksbury, Guy Tewksbury and his partner Janice Lombre, Glen and his wife Ruth Tewksbury, and Clark and his wife Gayle Tewksbury; sisters, Ruthann (Tewksbury) LaPine and Gail (Tewksbury) Kwolek; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Wayne Tewksbury.

After graduating Middletown High School in 1966, he chose to join the US Marine Corps instead of being drafted into the army.  Within five months her was sent to Vietnam where he participated in multiple operations and he was promoted to Sergeant within 10 months of enlisting.  His company was Hotel 2/5 and served under General Christmas, who he was able to meet later in life. Wounded in Vietnam he was awarded the distinguished Purple Heart Medal.

Employed by the City of Middletown, he was a police officer for 27 years.  The last five years of his employment he became the Community Relations and D.A.R.E officer. "Officer Jon," as he was referred to by the community, worked with McGruff the Crime Dog educating children of all ages.  During that time, he received his associates degree in criminal justice.

After retirement, he and his wife Debbie, and youngest son Ryan traveled out west for a year.  Moving back to the East Coast they settled in Sneads Ferry, NC, a small fishing village.  This is where he started a mobile hot dog cart business selling hot dogs at the local Lowes Store and to the Marines on Camp Lejeune Stone Bay Rifle Range.  He was known as "Jon the Hot Dog Man" from then on, even after closing the business 20 years later. Jon's Back Gate Barber Shop, which he owned for 18 years became a local spot for civilians and Marines to get their haircut by one of his barbers while he chatted and visited with them.

He was a member of New River Community Church in Sneads Ferry where he served on various boards and committees. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and a past member of the Elks Club and Vietnam Veterans.  He enjoyed life to the fullest traveling with his wife and spending time with his family and friends.  He was always proudly sharing his son's and grandchildren's accomplishments and telling others how much he adored them.  He never missed an opportunity to talk to a stranger having the "Gift of Gab."  People who met him for the first time would feel like they knew him a lifetime when he was done talking with them. His kindness, generosity, and big heart will always be remembered.

Funeral services will be held at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St. Middletown on Monday June 27, 2022 starting with a service at 9 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow at the State Veterans' Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, June 26, 2022 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Biega Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Shane Tewksbury, Derek Tewksbury, and Trevor Tewksbury and nephews, Michael Tewksbury and Derin Tezdiker and close friend, James Spencer.

Those who wish may send memorial contributions to Greater Middletown Military Museum, 200 Walnut Grove Road, Middletown, CT 06457, Attention: Ken McClellan. To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.