A candle was lit by Dennis Fancher on September 5, 2017 7:07 AM

A candle was lit by Amanda Schunk on August 18, 2017 12:17 AM

Message from Jane Baljevic

I was so sorry to hear about John's untimely death. I was the principal at EHHS when he came to teach there and enjoyed knowing him and working with him very much. He had a wonderful career in East Hampton, and one can see from the memories that have been shared how much he contributed there. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.

Message from Kristopher King

Coach, what can I say? Very few people were as a large a contributor to not only my basketball career but my overall school experience are you. You will be missed. My condolences to your family.

Message from Eric Spencer, Principal NHRHS, East Haddam

I am so sorry for your loss, please accept my condolences. I worked with John as part of the Shoreline Principals Association. He was a wonderful man to work with and will be missed. If there is anything I can do in the coming days, please feel free to call upon me.
Sincerely,
Eric Spencer

Message from Frederick Green

My heartfelt condolences for the loss of your beloved, John. Please know that Jehovah God and his son Jesus Christ is aware of your pain and they care for you. (2 Corinthians 1:3,4) . I pray that you are able to find comfort in God's promise of paradise where there will be no more pain and sorrow (Revelation 21:4,5)  and the many wonderful  memories of your loved one becoming a reality in the future resurrection in paradise.  (Acts 24:15). Please accept my sincere condolences. ( JW.org )

A candle was lit by Daniel Sullivan on August 6, 2017 6:02 PM

Message from Gail Sancho Carlson

John is remembered as a vital part of SWHS and our basketball team. He was well- liked and respected during our high school years, and I can see that has increased many fold since that time. His love of people, the importance of those relationships, and his quest of education have shone brightly since his high school days. My prayers go out to his whole family as they both mourn his sudden passing and also celebrate his life lived. May God offer both comfort and strength through the coming days.

A candle was lit by Bill and Linda Nelson on August 5, 2017 11:06 PM

A candle was lit by Andrea on August 5, 2017 7:41 PM

A candle was lit by Andy, Virginia, Michael & Kim Nowakowski on August 5, 2017 4:48 PM

Message from Kent Ashworth

John became my new neighbor recently; Little did I know how much impact he had had as a principal because modesty and humility only allowed him to nod in agreement when I offered that this is the hardest job in the world. Gone too soon but, unlike purported leaders, left with countless friends and respect even at the first handshake. Unforgettable

A candle was lit by Shane, April and Shane Wilcox on August 5, 2017 12:14 PM

A candle was lit by Ron Kaufman on August 5, 2017 10:20 AM

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John was a founding member of the UCONN Ultimate Frisbee Team. The entire team was a group of guys and gals who came together for the love of the game, and the love of each other. This spirit of welcome, encouragement, mutual caring, sharing, and teasing, was openly shared with everyone else who came into their orbit. I was a founding member of the Brown University team, and from time to time we visited UCON to get our butts whipped by their greatly superior level of play. But while they whooped us on the playing field, then genuinely welcomed, embraced, and yes – they loved us for simply coming to play. This spirit, this boundless generosity, is something they all sourced together, from the best of themselves, and they knew it. John, of all people, was a mountain of this spirit. He was the giant who could not be more helpful. He was the "moose" who could hardly be more gentle. I am one of the many (many!) who were touched by John's grace and goodness early in life. I read with gratitude the story of who he became, how many more lives he touched – and loved – and how many people deeply and truly loved John. Rest in peace my friend. You have caught the winning goal in the end zone. We all, truly, love you. Ron Kaufman

Message from Charlie Ryan

Sorry to hear about John. I did the student council in Portland for many years. I
was fortunate to know John from the old C.O.C. senate meetings. He was always
positive and cared about young people. He will be missed. Charlie Ryan

A candle was lit by Mary & Roger LeBlanc on August 5, 2017 7:36 AM

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Dear Joan, Jack, Jeff, and family,

We are deeply saddened to learn about John because he was a wonderfully caring person, an exemplary teacher and administrator, and a loyal and supportive friend to our son, Jon, and many others.

As a best friend to our son Jon, John and he shared many memorable moments together as colleagues and friends. We remember when they spent an evening on the roof of the high school as part of a fundraiser for EHS, "The Jon L. and John Fidler on the Roof" event, just one of so many adventures they shared together.

We appreciate all that John did to support Jon, and we will pray for him, you, and everyone in the family.

With sadness,

Mary & Roger LeBlanc

Message from Frank Demarais

John proved how much good one can do if you just give yourself to it. John gave himself, and we see the bounty of his efforts.
I've had no dearer friend for 50 years. My deep love to the Fidler family.
Frank

A candle was lit by Mary & Roger LeBlanc on August 5, 2017 7:06 AM

Message from Eileen Bateson Parisi

Dear Joan, Jack, and Jeff,

My family and I extend our deepest sympathy to you in the sudden loss of your husband and father. May cherished memories help to comfort you at this difficult time and always.

Eileen Bateson Parisi

A candle was lit by Roseann & Mark Bullett on August 4, 2017 10:48 PM

A candle was lit by Sean and Stacey Madden on August 4, 2017 9:10 PM

A candle was lit by The White-Taylor family on August 4, 2017 8:29 PM

Message from Phil and Elizabeth Medeiros

John and Nellie, Elizabeth and I offer our sincere condolences to you both and to your son's family. Hope you both are well.

Message from Louise Lanouette

So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.

Message from Plainville, CT

Mr. Fidler was a wonderful coach and teacher. He helped my friends and me start and run B3TV to cover East Hampton Basketball when I was in high school. That was a wonderful experience. I'm sure he has touched many other people's lives as well while he was a teacher as well as a principal. He will be missed. My deepest condolences to the Fidler family. -Tim Razel

A candle was lit by Alex and Nancy Dziama on August 4, 2017 12:04 PM

A candle was lit by Bev and Lisa Abbott on August 4, 2017 8:44 AM

A candle was lit by The Nowakowski Family (Denise, Mark, Rachel, and Ryan) on August 4, 2017 8:39 AM

A candle was lit by A cable was lite by mark. Jeff Linda and kris buckland on August 4, 2017 6:45 AM

Message from Dustin Feliciano

Hi my name is Dustin Feliciano and I have been attending East Hampton High for 3 years now. Over the years it is no secret that I have had my fair share of office visits for disciplinary issues in which I met Mr, Fidler. He was always very fair but, also strict when he needed to be, which in turn made me realize life lessons that I needed to learn sooner than later. I have a lot to thank Mr Fidler for..Just this past School year I went through personal issues that caused me to lose interest in my final exams and I ended up skipping them. This meant that I would fail my exams and my classes. This choice was going to cause me a lot of trouble and extra work in the future, not to mention would look terrible on a college application but, thanks to a decision made by Mr Fidler i was able to retake my exams and pass my classes. This is just one example of the kindness he has shown me over The years and how what he did was more than a job and he genuinely cared for the students of East Hampton High and their success. I never realized how much I liked Mr Fidler until I got the news and it hurts very much to know that I will never be able to thank him for the things he did for me. Our community has lost not only an Amazing person but also a great leader that has impacted the lives of his students that will carry on his memory by achieving their wants and dreams thanks to him. I am so very sorry to his family for your loss but I want you to know that he was a very good man and I will never forget him. Sincerely, Dustin Feliciano. May you rest in peace Mr, Fidler.

Message from Jack Herman

Dear Joan,Jeffrey, Jack and Family, My heartfelt sympathy to you at this difficult time. I have known John for many years and I always enjoyed speaking with him whenever I would see him.

Message from Richard Chagnon

So sorry for your loss. Played with John on that first Ultimate Frisbee team at Uconn, and was in his high school graduating class. Sad to think of losing classmates, but tempered by the good Uconn memories.

Message from Frank & Lucille Rothammer

John and Nellie, we are so sorry to hear of your son's passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family, during this most difficult time.

A candle was lit by Susan Muzikevik Jacobson on August 3, 2017 9:10 AM

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What a great life John led with his family and friends. Always thinking of and giving to others. John’s 1975 South Windsor High School yearbook caption read "The best of men is he who blushes when praised". I am confident John is looking down from the heavens blushing. My condolences to his wife and family.

A candle was lit by The Gancarz Family on August 3, 2017 8:30 AM

Message from John Larkin

Joan...my deepest condolences on John's passing...way too soon I know he is in a better place.. May God's enduring love comfort you in your time of loss

A candle was lit by Maggie on August 3, 2017 7:23 AM

Message from Maggie Stack

To the Fidler family:

I am so sorry about your loss. I was with John at the end, and he went peacefully. It was such a beautiful day and he was surrounded by nature and sunshine and people who cared. I wish with all of my heart that we could have done more. My condolences to all of you and to your community - he seems to have been so dearly loved and admired by many. May he be blessed with eternal peace.

Sincerely,
Maggie

Message from Kathy Rose

I have been blessed to have met John, Jack & Jeffrey through Joan, who I used to work with in the Madison School system. Upon meeting John, I felt that John was a genuine, kind, caring, humorous man who loved his family and everyone immensely. The beautiful, heartfelt comments from the East Hampton community, signifies what an amazing man John was who touched and blessed everyone's lives. Rest in peace, John. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to Joan, Jack, Jeffrey and other family members and friends. May you find God's peace and comfort as He wraps His loving arms around you during this difficult time and for the days to come. God Bless, Love, Kathy

A candle was lit by Deb and Brian Timmes on August 3, 2017 6:47 AM

A candle was lit by Kathy Rose on August 3, 2017 6:31 AM

A candle was lit by Ron, Laura, Ken, Nate and Nicole Landry. RIP Mr. Fidler on August 3, 2017 6:12 AM

A candle was lit by Melinda Aresta on August 3, 2017 5:51 AM

A candle was lit by The Sidana family on August 3, 2017 5:36 AM

Message from April (Thody) Betters

To the town of East Hampton,
I'm sorry for the loss everyone is going through right now! Mr Fidler wasn't just a teacher or a coach or a principle, he offered the guidance and support some of us were missing at home. He was a safe place for us to go when we may not have had any other options. He wasn't just there because it was his job, I truly believe that he cared about us. He was one of the rare gems out there that seem to have gotten harder to find.
I hope everyone comes together for support and encouragement during this trying time. It's time to live what he has shown all of us because it would be what he'd want.
My thoughts and prayers are with you guys at this time.

A candle was lit by April Betters (Thody) on August 2, 2017 11:53 PM

Message from Harpo, Chris and Liam

Joan ,Jack, Jeff and the Fidler clan

We are heartbroken but treasure many great memories of hikes, climbs, flat dives and Johnny's kind and generous spirit. Hard to believe we just celebrated the milestone birthday - thanks, Joanie.

A candle was lit by Greg, Kim, Lindsay,& Kasey on August 2, 2017 9:25 PM

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Joanie, Sons, and Family,

We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time..

Message from Sue & Steve Richards

Joan, Jack and Jeffrey, we extend our deepest condolences on the loss of John--while there are no words to heal, we do hope that the outpouring of love, memories and tributes will help to ease your sadness a little. Sending our love.

A candle was lit by Maryssa Edele on August 2, 2017 9:13 PM

A candle was lit by Adam Bergan on August 2, 2017 8:25 PM

A candle was lit by Dennis and Mary Ann Wall on August 2, 2017 7:48 PM

A candle was lit by Doreen Brusseau on August 2, 2017 7:37 PM

A candle was lit by Stacey Petrow on August 2, 2017 6:53 PM

A candle was lit by Stacey Petrow on August 2, 2017 6:52 PM

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So sorry for your family's loss.

A candle was lit by The Basil Family on August 2, 2017 6:41 PM

A candle was lit by The Ennen and Root Families on August 2, 2017 6:37 PM

A candle was lit by Chris on August 2, 2017 6:27 PM

A candle was lit by The DeMartino Family on August 2, 2017 6:05 PM

A candle was lit by The Casey Family on August 2, 2017 6:04 PM

A candle was lit by The Germain Family on August 2, 2017 5:30 PM

Message from Liz Murray

To the Fidler family,
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Words cannot describe the raw and horrible emotions you are going through right now and words cannot make it go away. Mr. Fidler was by far one of the greatest people I have ever met in my life. He will forever be a part of you..Jack, Jeff, and Joan. He has also left a legacy in East Hampton....one that will live on forever. May you take comfort in knowing what a profound impact Mr. Fidler had on so many and also remembering wonderful memories of him. I will never forget when I saw him last Christmas break in EHHS and he said, "Hey!! Look who it is...Little Murray." I hadn't seen Mr. Fidler in at least 4 years and yet, he still remembered me. He was one of a kind and will be terribly missed. Rest in Peace, Mr. Fidler....say hi to Monica Murray for me.
With love and sympathy,
- Liz Murray

A candle was lit by The Reinhard Family on August 2, 2017 4:26 PM

A candle was lit by Lynn Ward on August 2, 2017 4:04 PM

Message from Kenna Carpenter

To Joan, Jeff and Jack
My heart breaks for your loss. I have worked along side John for over 10 years and have enjoyed every second of it. Our East Hampton community is so sad to lose such a great educator, person and my personal favorite; Grateful Dead fan. I will never forget his continuous positive and great moods even in the worst of times.

My prayers are with your family.

Kenna Carpenter

Message from Joane Colburn

I have no words to describe the anguish I feel ......John was an awesome man and friend and will be terribly missed.

A candle was lit by Janet L. Kay on August 2, 2017 3:10 PM

A candle was lit by Angie (Sarahina) Tegge on August 2, 2017 2:17 PM

A candle was lit by The Kelly family,Noel, Raeanne, Aidan,Meghan and Austin on August 2, 2017 1:33 PM

A candle was lit by Scott Waters on August 2, 2017 1:04 PM

A candle was lit by Kevin, Kelley and Kathy Godwin on August 2, 2017 12:39 PM

A candle was lit by Paula, Lindsey & Cody Mallory on August 2, 2017 11:17 AM

A candle was lit by Tammie Rigoletti on August 2, 2017 11:05 AM

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My sincere sympathy to Mr. Fidler's family, he was a great educator, coach, and man. Thank you for sharing him with us for 26 years in our community. he will be forever missed, and forever remembered. May God bless you in this time of sadness.

A candle was lit by Tammie Rigoletti and Family on August 2, 2017 11:02 AM

Message from The Pionzio Family

Thank you to the Fidler Family for sharing your husband and father with our community all these years. We are so lucky to have had him in our lives and will miss him terribly. All our love to you today and every day in the years to come.

Message from Paul Cloutier

My family and I are so sorry for your loss we feel your pain

Message from Jennifer & Mark Goodman

Joan and boys,
We're all so very sorry and we're in shock as well. John was so very good to Jordan.
High school was very difficult for him. John got him through.
God bless all
Jen& Mark

A candle was lit by Jen & Mark, Adina and Jordan on August 2, 2017 9:00 AM

A candle was lit by Gail Scranton and Family on August 2, 2017 7:51 AM

Message from Annette

My deepest sympathy to each of you for your loss. Deep sorrow fills your hearts at this time. May you find comfort and strength in Almighty God. He is the giver of life. It saddened him when we shed tears of sorrow. Through his Word he gives us comfort and hope for those who have fallen asleep in death.

John 6:40
John 11:11,43,44
Psalms 37:29

Message from Kirk Murad

My condolences to the family. I remember John as a special education teacher and basketball coach at East Hampton High School while I was a coach there in the early 90s. He was a very positive role model and never had a bad word to say about anyone. It just wasn't his way. He was a boys' coach at the time, but very supportive of the girls' teams, as well. He touched many lives.

Message from Katherine Hubbard-Brown

My thoughts and prayers to all of Mr. Fidlers family and friends. I am a 1993 graduate of E.H.H.S. and still remember his gentle giant smile, amazing spirit and energy!

Message from The Kotuby family

To the Fidler family, so sorry for your loss, John was a giant among men he will be sorely missed by EHHS and our community, Rest Easy Mr. Fidler