John “Jack” Lupkas, 91, passed away on Friday, January 30, 2026 at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford. He was the loving husband for 51 years of the late Joan (Trombley) Lupkas.

John was born on May 6, 1934, the fourth of the seven children of the late Benjamin and Anna (Orintas) Lupkas. Growing up in Waterbury, he graduated from Crosby High School in the great class of 1952, whose members still meet today. In his youth, he participated in many organized sports leagues including baseball, bowling, softball and then golf. That passion of competition and comradeship carried him over into working life as a manufacturing executive.

In 1953, he was drafted into the US Army during the Korean conflict. He attained the rank of Sergeant as an artillery specialist and received several citations for his service. He was proud to serve our country just as all four of his brothers at different times served in various military capacities.

After his military service, Jack attended UCONN, earning a Bachlores degree in Business & Economics. His education served him well and after graduating, he was hired by Truelove and Maclean Co. His tenure there lasted for 41 years of continuous employment in many executive capacities including president, retiring in 2001. His career brought worldwide travel that he and Joan enjoyed especially to Hawaii, Germany, England and China. John and Joan were Wolcott residents for over 55 years and in retirement they spent winters in Coco Beach, FL. John also volunteered at the Cape Canaveral Hospital where Joan spent many years battling Alzheimer’s Disease.

John was a talented writer and was well respected for his countless letters to the editor of the Waterbury Republican newspaper. His opinions had political influence and promoted positive values in the greater Waterbury community. He wrote a book about Alzheimer’s Disease and documented Joan’s 8-year battle with it.

As an avid golfer, John was a member of the Watertown Golf Club and enjoyed playing the game until his illness last year. His gregarious personality also led to many friendships at the Watertown Golf Club including staff and other members. His business trips gave him the opportunity to play on some of the world’s greatest golf courses.

He was a member of The UCONN Alumni Association, the UCONN Foundation, the American Legion, and numerous business associations. He was a parishioner of St. Pius X Church/St. Basil Parish and the Church of Our Savior in Cocoa Beach, FL.

John is survived by his son Peter Lupkas with whom he was very proud of and made his home in Wolcott, his two brothers Robert and his wife Gretchen Lupkas, Richard and his wife, Madeline Lupkas, and several generations of nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife Joan, he was predeceased by his brothers Edmund and Raymond Lupkas, his sisters Marie Pulford and Dolores Zdanowicz.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate John’s life on Tuesday February 10, 2026, meeting directly at St. Pius Church / St. Basil the Great Parish 517 Woodtick Rd. in Wolcott for Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM. Immediately following Mass, John will be laid to rest, with full military honors, alongside his wife Joan in Edgewood Cemetery. There are no calling hours. Woodtick Memorial is honored to have been entrusted with his funeral arrangements, and you may visit his tribute page on www.woodtickmemorial.com.

In lieu of flowers and at John’s request, please make Memorial Contributions to Paralyzed Veterans of America or the American Cancer Society.

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