SYMONDS, John Wilbur, Sr. John Wilbur Symonds, Sr., 96, of Windsor and formerly of East Hartford, beloved husband of the late Mildred Teresa Bradley and the late Doris Symonds died Friday, (August 21, 2009) at a local convalescent home. Born May 25, 1913 in Stafford, son of the late William and Sarah Symonds he lived in East Hartford over 30 years before retiring to Nokomis, FL. where he lived for 20 years. John served with the Army Air Corp and was an airplane and engine mechanic instructor. After the service he was employed by Pratt & Whitney for 37 years before retiring. John was a member of Columbia Lodge #25 A.F. & A.M. (raised in Orient Lodge # 62 A.F. & A.M. 50 years ago) and was a 32nd degree Mason, and also was a member of the Sphinx Temple Shriners and part of their parade unit. He would travel throughout the U.S. with the Shriners Parade Unit. He loved fishing at the Holland Lake cottage they owned for 20 years. He is survived by four sons, Preston, John Jr., Thomas and Robert Symonds; a step-son, Robert Myers; a step-daughter Pamela Borland; a brother, William Symonds; many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was predeceased by a sister, Barbara Gauvian. Burial with military honors will be Thursday, August 27, 11:30 a.m. in CT State Veterans Cemetery, Middletown. Columbia Lodge No. 25 will do a graveside service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriner Childrens Hospital, 516 Crew St., Springfield, MA 01104.

Published in Hartford Courant on August 25, 2009