GONE FISHING John William Melesko, 94, loving father, grandfather and great grandfather went to rest with the Lord on March 15, 2008. John, known to his family as Poppy, was predeceased by his Polish doll of 54 years, Julia Zagorski Melesko, his daughter Irene Grinavich, granddaughter Donna Lindquist and great granddaughter Aubrey Lindquist. John was born in Manchester and resided there for most of his lifetime. He was a member of St. James Catholic Church and the East Hartford Elks. John retired from Pratt & Whitney in 1979 after 42 years of service. He was a family man who took pleasure in helping others and fixing everything. John enjoyed fishing with his son, gardening, and storytelling. We will all miss his "I remember when" stories about his life experiences, such as his first airplane ride, his many cars, and his jobs as a young man. Poppy will always be remembered as a devoted husband, gentleman, and our hero. Survivors include his caretaker and son John "Jack" Melesko Jr, of Manchester, daughter, Joan Melesko, of Lake Worth, Florida, 7 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday (March 19th) at 9:15 am from the John F. Tierney Funeral Home 219 West Center St. Manchester with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am at St. James Church 896 Main St. Manchester followed by burial in St. James Cemetery. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 5-8 pm. For online condolences please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com