Memorial Service for John Ladd Fillian on 1/9

John Fillian lived a life of many names and many hats — a loyal son, supportive brother, devoted husband, loving father, playful grandfather, trusted friend, lifelong Farmington “townie”, everyone’s favorite MacGyver, and a charitable steward of the Lord.

John Fillian was born in Bristol, Connecticut, on April 16, 1961, to Marshall Dominic Fillian and Sylvia Jane Fillian. John was one of 7 brothers and sisters — Jeffery and Ruby Fillian, Charles and Karen Fillian, Francine (Fillian) and Bruce Boucher, Doreen Bouchard, Jay Gauthier and Deb Bellemare, and Marshall “Luke” and Tracy Fillian. John held his siblings very close and was always sure to join their Thursday family FaceTime calls. He looked forward to these weekly check-ins and always remarked on the “good talks” that were had. John was an integral part of an extensive family unit of countless uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews whom he loved very much.

Family is and always has been the center of John’s world. John is survived by his wife of 33 years, Maureen (O’Leary) Fillian. John was Maureen’s dream maker and her everything; he was her fervent life partner, supporter, confidant, personal Mr. Fix-It, project-maker, reasoner, and problem-solver. Along with Maureen, John is survived by his three beautiful children, Kristine (Fillian) and Zachary Martin, Joseph Fillian, and Shannon Fillian. John loved his children fiercely. In their adolescence, he could be found on every sideline, bleacher, event, or activity – rain, shine, sleet, or snow. John never missed a moment with his kids. John was a strong, dependable, and hands-on father in their youth, and their greatest friend and steadfast anchor in their adulthood. Kristine, Joseph, and Shannon were his greatest pride and joy.

That is, until his grandbabies came along. Tessa (6), Cahlen (3), and McKenna (7 months) Martin stole John’s heart. They loved being right at John’s feet. They most loved joining him for truck rides up the street, taking tractor runs around the yard, blueberry picking in the field, swimming in his backyard pool, and trying new activities like boating and fishing with their beloved Pops.

To say John was a man of many passions is an understatement. John was a creator at heart. Despite supervising the building of top-of-the-line business parks, schools, and other commercial construction properties for 30+ years, John was most proud of his creations at home. John spent his time researching his next woodworking project, milling the lumber on his sawmill, and crafting it in his workshop. If he wasn’t tinkering, he could be found on the top of a mountain in sub-zero temperatures, riding his Harley Davidson through the winding roads of Litchfield County, or hitting a twilight round of golf – preferably with a slight drizzle.

No matter where John’s multifaceted interests took him, his home base was always the beautiful life he created for himself and his family at their beloved family property on G-Ville. G-Ville is John’s happy place. It is his childhood home. It is his and his family’s home. It is his grandbabies’ favorite home away from home. It is a home base to all who know it. G-Ville is the culmination of his unconditional love, immense dedication, consummate craftsmanship, and unending legacy.