John Joseph Jessey

Middletown, RI - John Joseph Jessey, 81, of 29 Oakwood Road, Middletown, RI, died on Sunday, January 3, 2010, surrounded by his loving family.He was the husband of Evelyn Mello Jessey for 60 years. Born in Newport, RI on December 25, 1928, he was the son of the late John and Grace Johnston Jessey. He retired from the US Navy Ships Store Office as manager of service and retail facilities at the Newport, Quonset and Nantucket Naval Bases. He later worked as the warranty manager at Newport Imports. After retirement, he enjoyed winters in Florida with friends from the island and summers in Middletown with his family. He was an accomplished model maker of ships and planes with a special interest in model trains, traveling throughout the northeast to train meets as a member of the Train Collectors Association of America. He was a lifetime member of the Middletown Knights of Columbus, very proud of his involvement in their Annual Blood Drive for over 20 years. He was one of the original members of the Quahog Chapter of North American Family Campers Association and also the Family Motor Coach Association. Besides his wife Evelyn, he is survived by his children, John J. Jessey, Jr. of Stamford, CT, Paul Jessey of Lincoln, RI and Donna Jessey of Middletown, RI, his sisters Carol Amoruso and Elsa Jones of Middletown, RI, his grandchildren, Sean and Alison Martin, Chase and Christopher Eggeman, Andrew, John Kyle, and David Jessey, and his great grandchildren, Avery Martin, Alisa Benson, Savannah and Nyla Hollins.He was the brother of the late Doris Freitas and the step-brother of the late Charles Williams. His funeral will be held on Thursday, January 7, 2010, at 10:30 AM at the St. Columba Catholic Cemetery Chapel Browns Lane, Middletown.Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, January 6, 2010, from 3-7 PM in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport. The family would like to thank the incredible staff of both Odyssey Health Care and the John Clarke Nursing Center for their extraordinary kindness, caring, skill and generosity. Donations in his memory may be made to Odyssey Health Care, 2374 Post Road, Suite 206, Warwick, RI 02886, or to the John Clarke Nursing Center Hospice Room Fund, 600 Valley Road, Middletown, RI 02842.