John Barden Fuller

January 3, 1921 - March 1, 2019

John Barden Fuller, (98) of Kensington, CT and Melbourne, FL, passed on to eternal life, wisdom and travel on March 1, 2019. Born in New Britain, CT Jan 3, 1921 to Frederick and Katherine Holmes Fuller. He died after a short hospital stay surrounded by his family. He leaves behind his wife and long-time friend T. Grace Firnhaber Fuller of Kensington, CT., along with sons Dr. J. Barden Fuller (Kathleen) of Southington CT, Russell Fuller (Rhona) of Southington, CT and daughter Nancy Clemmons (Edward) of Hudson, FL.. Additionally, he leaves behind six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his first two wives Marian P. Fuller and Ruby Bomba Fuller as well as his brother Fred Fuller and sisters Betty Stahlbush and Jean Kernan. John was employed for 35 years with New Britain Public Schools as an Industrial Arts Teacher, District Administrator, and was selected as Teacher of the Year in 1973, retiring in 1980. He was a member for many years, past president, and 1975 Educator of the Year recipient of the Connecticut Industrial Arts Association. His employment history also included Stanley Tools, F Willis Construction and Market Square Hardware. He was an active with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts from the mid 1940’s until the 1970’s as an adult leader John had a passion for travel, camping and Airstreaming. He towed his classic Airstream trailer extensively across the US and Canada. Even last year he was on the road actively camping. He was a long time, active member, fifty-seven and a half years, and past region president of Wally Byam Airstream Club. John enjoyed the fun and adventure of travel with the many friends he made on the road. He recently commented that it was OK that his travels never got to Oklahoma, after camping in every other state in the continental US, nine Canadian Provinces and Mexico. He mastered the telling of bad dad jokes and the hidden wisdom of most of them. Additionally, he enjoyed playing cards and woodworking as time permitted. He was a longtime member of South Congregational Church (New Britain, CT) and Kensington Congregational Church. The family will receive the public at Carlson Funeral Home, 45 Franklin Square, New Britain, CT 06051 Friday March 8, 2019 from 5 to 8pm. Christian services of celebration will be held at Kensington Congregational Church, 312 Percival Ave, Kensington, CT 06037 on Saturday March 9, 2019 at 10am. Burial will be in New Britain at the Fairview Cemetery following the service. In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to Kensington Congregational Church Youth Fellowship programs. Please share a memory or note of sympathy at www.carlsonfuneralhome.com