John Rota, Sr.

John Rota, Sr., 89, of Colchester and formerly of Bozrah and Niantic, passed away peacefully at his home on February 28, 2019, with his beloved family by his side.  Born in Bergamo, Italy on December 21, 1929, he was the son of the late Celeste and Clorinda (Mangili) Rota.  John immigrated to America at age 18 and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.  John was proud to serve his country and reached the rank of Corporal.  He was a brick mason by trade, and worked both as an independent contractor and for the BAC Union.He married his first wife, Anne Benedetti, who predeceased him in 1967.  He married his wife and life partner Carol Miller on July 4, 1969 in Niantic, where they raised their family. The family relocated to Bozrah in 1985, where they remained for the next 33 years.  John was a member of the American Legion, Post 128, and the Knights of Columbus, St. Agnes Council 5633.  He was a long time member of the Bozrah Rod and Gun Club where he was often found cooking for group events and fishing with his wife, kids and grandkids.  He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, gardening, and outdoor games such as horse shoes and corn hole.  He relished frequent trips back to his birthplace in Italy, sipping cappuccinos, and spending time with his family and friends there.  He loved bowling and was an accomplished Duck Pin bowler.  He will be remembered for his bright blue eyes, contagious laugh, love for red wine, and as an entertaining conversationalist.   Most importantly, he will be remembered by all family and friends for his loyalty as a good husband, father, grandfather, and friend.  John had a kind and generous heart and was always willing to lend a hand.  In addition to his beloved wife Carol, he leaves four children and their spouses; John Rota, Jr. (Deborah) of Clinton, CT, Linda Rota of Portland, ME, Robert Rota (Cynthia) of San Diego, CA, Michael Rota of Cary, NC; nine grandchildren, Nicholas, Rachael, Rebecca, Christopher, Joseph, Matthew, and Lauren Rota, Annah Thayer, and Emily Rota Colello; six great grandchildren, Kyla Larkin, Emma Rota, Madison Coombs, Elsie Thayer, Ralph Rota, and Jayson Mullen.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, March 6, 2019 from 4 – 6 pm at the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 Old Hartford Rd., Colchester.  

The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, March 7, at 11 am at Our Lady of the Lakes Church, in Oakdale.  Burial will follow in East Lyme Cemetery with full military honors.   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory  to the American Heart Association, www.heart.org or Our Lady of the Lakes Church, 752 Norwich Salem Tpke., Oakdale, CT 06370.  For online condolences, please visit www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com  

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.