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John Alden Pianta

John Alden Pianta, 74, of Deep River, passed away peacefully on Jan. 7, at Yale New Haven Hospital. He was surrounded by his loving wife of 50 years, Laurie, and their three children. John was born on Jan. 19, 1948, the only child of Alden Alfonse and Lena Del Pasqua Pianta in Chester. After graduating from Valley Regional High School (VRHS) in 1966, he went on to study Industrial Education at Central Connecticut State College.

Upon graduation in 1971, John entered the U.S. Army Reserves, where he proudly served his country for just over five years.

John began what turned out to be a 33-year career as an Industrial Arts and Graphic Arts teacher at Haddam Killingworth Junior High in 1971. He would go on to teach there and at Haddam Killingworth High School until his retirement in 2004. During his career, John continued to explore his passion for learning, going on to earn his master’s and sixth year in education. In 1970, he met his loving wife Laurie Bonanza and they married in 1972, going on to have three children, Andrea Pianta DiGennaro (Gregg), Jason Pianta (Victoria Diaz), and Teresa Pianta (Charlie Tenanes); and six grandchildren.

During his retirement years, John enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, time at the Essex Veteran’s Club with friends, and teaching young people about the Civil War (including dressing in full Civil War garb). He enjoyed planning VRHS the Class of 1966 many class reunions and was a devout Catholic and an active member of Our Lady of Sorrows Church. Above all else, he loved spending time in nature with his wife, children and grandchildren: Giani DiGennaro, Tate Ingham, Easton, Liza, and Brecken Jewell, and Selene Tenanes.

John was predeceased by his parents, Alden and Lena; as well as many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.

John’s family would like to give a special thank you to the wonderful healthcare providers at Yale New Haven Hospital in the cardiac and cardiothoracic intensive care units for their tireless efforts in supporting John in his final days.

Calling hours will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 13, at Robinson, Wright, & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main Street, Centerbrook. A private funeral will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Yale New Haven Health Cardiac Care Unit. To share a memory or to leave a condolence, please visit www.rwwfh.com.