Obituary: John Lawrence Simpson Sr. Dies at 85

BETHANY – Mr. John Lawrence Simpson, Sr., 85, of Beacon Road, Bethany, passed away on Sunday, December 11, 2011 at Abbott Terrace Health Center.  He was predeceased by his wife Lila (Allison) Simpson and his eldest son John L. Simpson, Jr.

Mr. Simpson was born to the late George and Minnie Simpson, Jr. on Dec. 31, 1925 at their home in Beacon Falls. Mr. Simpson began working at age 16; established his own farming business, which developed into his construction business, John L. Simpson & Sons. He along with his family ran a successful business for over 60 years, until his retirement at age 80. He often enjoyed traveling in his motor home with his family visiting friends and relatives around the country. 

Mr. Simpson enjoyed living in Bethany on his farm for more than 50 years. He enjoyed raising cattle, growing his vegetable garden and his fruit orchard. He was a member of the West Naugatuck Congregation of Jehovah Witnesses for over 38 years. He touched the lives and became close friends with, many members of this worldwide brotherhood. He had an active part in many construction projects for Jehovah Witnesses in the New England area.

He leaves two sons, Larry Simpson and his wife Susan of Bethany, Bobby Simpson of Bethany; two daughters, Gail Simpson of Seymour, Susan (Simpson) Bush and her husband Steven and their son Justin of Bethany; a sister, Mildred Ostrom of Vermont; many nieces and nephews including his special niece, Jody Ostrom and dear nephew, Harold Simpson, Jr.  He was predeceased by his five brothers, George Jr., Harold, Arthur, Donald, and Norman Simpson; a sister, Dorothy Moran.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, Dec. 16, 2011 at 11 a.m. at Carrington Cemetery, Rainbow Road, Bethany. A memorial talk will be held on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011 at 3 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses in Naugatuck. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses, Bowman Drive, Naugatuck, CT 06770. The Naugatuck Valley Memorial/Fitzgerald Zembruski Funeral Home, 240 North Main St., Naugatuck has been entrusted with his arrangements. To send an on-line condolence, please visit www.naugatuckvalleymemorial.com.