John, age 64 of Colchester CT, passed away after a long illness on April 22, 2026 in the loving arms of his mother. He was born June 2, 1961 in Middletown CT, son of Dolores (Bengston) Sawchuk and Walter Henry Sawchuk. John grew up in Colchester and graduated from Bacon Academy in 1979. He went on to study at Eastern Connecticut State University for three years and earned his bachelor's degree from Central Connecticut State University.

John loved spending time with his father at Walts Country Motors listening to him interact with friends and customers. John spent his later years helping his mother with whom he shared a love for sports, politics and their church.

John spent his Sunday afternoons at the Jewett City Flea Market, wheeling and dealing the things he loved to collect. His love for cooking blossomed and John owned and operated Sudsys American Grill. He managed the kitchen at Thames Yacht Club for many years. Johns favorite part of his career was running the Dug Out concession stand at the Colchester recreation complex. John especially liked watching the kids have their first experience at commerce figuring out how to use their money to purchase food, candy and drinks.

John loved sports He coached mens softball, played in various leagues for many different sponsors throughout the years. He served as a board member for the Colchester Mens Softball League. John sponsored womens softball leagues as well. He had an eye for recruiting new talent. He was loyal and passionate about Walts Country Motors softball teams and attended every game. His most memorable moment was winning the Lefties Grand Finale Softball Tournament in 1984. He was an avid fan of the Cincinnati Reds Baseball Team and enjoyed watching every UConn Basketball game with his mother.

John served his community as a Justice of the Peace having the pleasure and honor of joining many friends, and neighbors in matrimony, and the majority are still married. John served as a longtime member of the Republican Town Committee. John volunteered his time with the registrar of voters serving for elections. He served as head deacon and served on many committees at the Colchester Federated Church. He volunteered at the Holly Fair, known for his Kentucky Hot Browns and for dressing up as Santa Claus for the kids there, as well as for family and friends. He was a member of the Colchester Lions Club and St. Josephs Polish Society. Johns community meant the world to him.

John is predeceased by his father Walter Henry Sawchuk and his brother Walter (Corky) Sawchuk. John is survived by his mother Dolores (Bengston) Sawchuk of Colchester; brothers William Sawchuk of Colchester and Charles Sawchuk and his wife Sherrie of Canterbury; nephews and nieces Justin, Matthew, Amanda, Madeline, Cameron, and Olivia; and many other extended family members and friends.

Services will be held Friday, May 1, 2026, burial at the Swedish Cemetery in Portland at 9:30; Services 11am at Colchester Federated Church

Donations can be made to the Colchester Federated Church or the Bacon Academy Trustees for building restorations. To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com