Obituary: John F. Sands, 68, of North Haven

NORTH HAVEN, CT - (From Wallingford Funeral Home) John F. Sands, 68, of North Haven, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Monday, October 25, 2021. He was the beloved husband of MaryEllen (Dillon) Sands.

John was born in Bridgeport, CT, March 2, 1953, a son of the late Leo T. Sands Sr. and Margaret C. (Liburdy) Sands. He was a Veteran of the Vietnam war having served in the U.S. Navy (Seabee Division).

He was recently retired from Old Dominion Freight Line. He was a member of Indian Neck Yacht Club for over 22 years.

He was an avid boater and fisherman and enjoyed coaching for his children’s sporting teams.

In addition to his wife MaryEllen, he is survived by his children, Dana Lynn Natrillo and her fiance Lee Gargonia of Middlebury and Jason Paul Sands and his fiancee Colleen Ciardiello of Northford, his grandchildren, Gavin Natrillo and Anthony Gargonia, his brother Leo, “Tom” Sands Jr. and his wife Debbie of Shelton, his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-laws, Bill Dillon and his wife Linda of Wallingford, Fran J.

Signore and her husband Dave Seals of North Branford, and Patti Carlo and her husband Martin III of Northford, many nieces and nephews, his partner in crime, Joe Kleszcz and his wife Kay; his special patio buddy Chucky Mansfield of North Haven and his grand dog and best friend Lola Rose.

He is predeceased by his in-laws, Michael “Joe” and Peggy Dillon; and his brother-in-law, Anthony Signore.

John will be fondly remembered for his prime rib on the grill, stuffed shrimp on Christmas Eve, his “Senior Trips”, his Harley Davidson, his love of the sea and most importantly, his love of his family.

John’s Family will receive relatives and friends in The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 N. Main St. Ext. Wallingford, Thursday, October 28, 2021 from 5-7pm. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home at 7 PM.

Donations may be sent to The Connecticut Hospice at 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405.