John Lichanec's Obituary
John Lichanec, 88, of Vernon, CT, and formerly of Willington, CT, passed away on Monday, October 13, 2008 at Rockville General Hospital, Rockville, CT. He was born in and had lived in Willington, CT for over 60 years, the son of the late Andrew, Sr. and Susana (Slopovski) Lichanec. John was educated in the Willington schools and graduated from Willimantic State Trade School in 1939. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II having served 40 months with the Army Med. Corps with a Tech 4 rating. He served 30 months in the South Pacific with the 8th Army 227 Station Hospital. John earned three Bronze Campaign Stars and the Philippine Presidential unit citation. He served in New Guinea, Leyte, and Luzon P.I. and Hospital ship Mercy. He also participated in the initial landing of Luzon as a corpman with the Philippine liberation forces. He was later joined by his brother Dan of the 1st Cavalry Division in the Battle for Manila, who was fatally wounded several days later. He also served in Korea for three months with the occupation troops. John was a member of the Carpenters Union Local #43 Hartford. He worked for various contractors and prior to retirement in 1982, worked for First National Stores for 15 years. John was a member of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, V.F.W. Post No. 938 of Willington, Strazza, Tonoli-Emhoff Post No. 26 American Legion, Stafford Fish and Game Club, and the Czechoslovakian Society of America Lodge in Willington. John is survived by his three daughters and their spouses, Patricia and John Berg of Vernon, CT, Cynthia and Alan Blanchard of North Carolina, and Kathleen and Eric White of Florida; six grandchildren; six great grandchildren; a sister, Susan Karlik of New Jersey; his former wife, Stella Lichanec of Bloomfield, CT; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his three brothers, Andy, Paul, and Dan Lichanec. A calling hour will be held on Friday, October 17, 2008 from 9:30-10:30 A.M. at Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., 51 East Main St., Stafford Springs, CT, followed by a Church Service at 11 A.M. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, West Main St., Stafford Springs, CT. Burial will follow in Willington Hill Cemetery, Willington, CT. Memorial donations may be made to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 104 West Main St., Stafford Springs, CT 06076. For online condolences or directions, please visit: www.introvignefuneralhome.com
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