OBITUARY JOHN “Jack” CLEWELL December 2, 1923 – December 9, 2018 Play Tribute Movie OAKDALE – John (Jack) S. Clewell, 95, went home into the loving arms of his Lord on Sunday, December 9th surrounded by his family at L & M Hospital in New London. Jack was born in Berwick, PA on Dec. 2, 1923 to the late Rollin and Mary Elizabeth (Woodruff) Clewell.
In March 1942 Jack joined the US Navy where he commissioned and served on the USS Bluefish during World War II until his Honorable Discharge in 1945. As a life member of the New London V.F.W. he served as commander from 1954 to 1955. Jack became a well-known shoe salesman.
He was known for his professionalism and his personality when interacting with customers, especially children. He became an expert in the orthopedic shoe category and had a talent for dying shoes to the perfect hue for bridal parties and other formal occasions. Jack would also go above and beyond by making afterhours visits to several area convalescent homes to size and fit the residents residing at those homes.
On April 5, 1964, he married his soul mate, Elaine (Falk) in New London, CT. The two would jitterbug their way through their life together enjoying each other’s company as they raised their family. They were baptized together into a life of service to Christ and the church family.
Even after his retirement, Jack didn’t slow down. He became active in the Montville Senior Center and the SPEBSQSA (Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America), singing with the New London Barbershop Chorus. Jack sung lead in the quartet The Bottom Line.
His devotion to God and family were immeasurable and will be greatly missed. Jack is survived by his wife; Elaine, his children; Elizabeth & William Rockwell of Moosup, CT, Diane Filipelli of Hayfork, CA, Richard & Maryann Clewell of Salem, CT, Mark & Lori Clewell of Chattanooga, TN, Melissa & James Gregoire of Detroit, MI, and Scott Clewell of Oakdale, CT. , 13 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren.
Jack is pre-deceased by 1 great grandchild. Visitation will be held at the Montville Funeral Home of Church & Allen, 53 Norwich-New London Tnpk. , Uncasville, CT 06382 on Friday, Jan 18th from 3pm – 7pm.
The family invites everyone to a Celebration of Life service which will be held on Saturday, Jan 19th from 10am till 11am with visitation from 9:00am until the time of the service at Revelation Church, 166 Bishop Rd. , Bozrah, CT 06334. Military Honors will be rendered at the end of the service.
A reception will immediately follow at the Oakdale Fire Department, 444 Chapel Hill Rd. , Oakdale, CT 06370. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.
Donations in Jack’s memory may be made to Revelation Church, Building Fund, 166 Bishop Rd. , Bozrah, CT 06334. To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit www.
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