John F. Burridge

John Francis Burridge, of West Hartford, 96, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Sunday, September 21, 2014. John was born on April 13, 1918, in Lynn, MA, the son of Andrew and Margaret Burridge. John was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Ann Ericson “Sonnee” Burridge. He is survived by his son John F. “Jeff” Burridge, Jr. of Boyce, VA and Chester, Nova Scotia; his daughter Ann B. “Amby” Jones and her husband Ronald of West Hartford and Attawan Beach; granddaughter Sarah Moreno Cowan, her husband Stephen and their son John Stephen of West Hartford; and Phyllis Keyes, his special friend. John was eagerly awaiting the birth of Sarah and Stephen’s twins. John attended Hartford schools and continued his education at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Colgate University. In 1936, he joined Hamilton Standard, a division of United Aircraft, working as an assembler. Forty-four years later, he retired as Vice President with responsibility for product field support and marketing worldwide. He spent World War II representing Hamilton Standard in Europe. Based in England and France, John participated actively in the transition from propellers to jet engine controls. Later in his career, he was involved in the development of space equipment including the moon suit, for which he received an award from NASA and a flag that traveled to the moon on America Apollo XVII in December 1972. Following his retirement from United Technologies, he continued in aviation and traveled the world, working with East and West Coast, European, and Asian companies for a total of 67 years in the industry. John was a member of aviation museums worldwide, including the New England Air Museum where he was an active volunteer in airplane restoration, and the Pacific Air Museum in Hawaii. He was also a member of numerous antique car clubs, and over the years restored several antique cars. Special thanks to Mary O; and Cleopatra, Mirriem, and Pat of Home Instead for the excellent care they provided. A private burial ceremony was held on September 23 at Fairview Cemetery in West Hartford. Funeral arrangements were made by Molloy Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at St. John’s Church, 679 Farmington Ave. West Hartford, Friday, October 17, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in John’s name to the New England Air Museum, 36 Perimeter Rd., Windsor Locks, CT 06096. Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.molloyfuneralhome.com