Obituary for John Francis Pickett
John Francis Pickett, DMD, 74, passed away peacefully at his home on August 15, 2023 with his loving wife and daughters by his side.
John was born June 2, 1949, son of the late John Pickett and Evelyn (Gallagher) Pickett. He was raised in a large and loving Irish family. His childhood was spent on the playgrounds of New York, and enjoyed his summers with his cousins and family on the beaches of Breezy Point, New York.
John was fascinated by science and early on was a Respiratory Therapist at Bellevue Hospital. His love of science ultimately led him to UCONN Dental School where he earned his dental degree. In 1985 he opened a solo dental practice in Hebron, CT and with his assistant Lucy Sobielo, provided very personal dental care to all of his patients. He was one of a kind.
While in dental school he met his future wife, Arlene Kerlin, who was a medical student. Good fortune brought them together as lab partners and they went on to share 43 years together. They settled in Hebron, CT where they raised their two daughters, Katherine and Jacqueline.
In 2011 he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. He met the challenges of the disease with grace, strength, and positivity. He retired early due to his illness but his early retirement allowed him to pursue his great love of literature. He set a goal of reading, “The 100 Greatest Novels of All Time” and was proud when he met this goal. He was a music enthusiast and enjoyed a wide range of genres including The Beach Boys, Prince, Rolling Stones, bluegrass and jazz. He was also a natural born dancer and all eyes were on John when he was on the dance floor.
He led by example, showing his family what it means to live a life of purpose, and the importance of leaving the world a little bit better.
John is survived by his loving wife, Arlene Kerlin, his devoted daughters Katherine (Pickett) Vogel, Jacqueline (Pickett) Hills, and her husband Aaron. He was Popa to Elizabeth “Elle” Vogel, John “Jack” Hills, and Madison “Maddie” Hills. He was the older brother to his three sisters who he adored, Geri Tanner, Joan Pickett, and Carol Pickett. He is survived by many cherished cousins, nephews, and nieces.
All are welcome to join us as we celebrate the life of John Pickett this Tuesday, August 22 from 5-8pm at The North House 1 Nod Rd Avon, CT.
Donations can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741.
Please visit John's Book of Memories at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online tributes.
John was born June 2, 1949, son of the late John Pickett and Evelyn (Gallagher) Pickett. He was raised in a large and loving Irish family. His childhood was spent on the playgrounds of New York, and enjoyed his summers with his cousins and family on the beaches of Breezy Point, New York.
John was fascinated by science and early on was a Respiratory Therapist at Bellevue Hospital. His love of science ultimately led him to UCONN Dental School where he earned his dental degree. In 1985 he opened a solo dental practice in Hebron, CT and with his assistant Lucy Sobielo, provided very personal dental care to all of his patients. He was one of a kind.
While in dental school he met his future wife, Arlene Kerlin, who was a medical student. Good fortune brought them together as lab partners and they went on to share 43 years together. They settled in Hebron, CT where they raised their two daughters, Katherine and Jacqueline.
In 2011 he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. He met the challenges of the disease with grace, strength, and positivity. He retired early due to his illness but his early retirement allowed him to pursue his great love of literature. He set a goal of reading, “The 100 Greatest Novels of All Time” and was proud when he met this goal. He was a music enthusiast and enjoyed a wide range of genres including The Beach Boys, Prince, Rolling Stones, bluegrass and jazz. He was also a natural born dancer and all eyes were on John when he was on the dance floor.
He led by example, showing his family what it means to live a life of purpose, and the importance of leaving the world a little bit better.
John is survived by his loving wife, Arlene Kerlin, his devoted daughters Katherine (Pickett) Vogel, Jacqueline (Pickett) Hills, and her husband Aaron. He was Popa to Elizabeth “Elle” Vogel, John “Jack” Hills, and Madison “Maddie” Hills. He was the older brother to his three sisters who he adored, Geri Tanner, Joan Pickett, and Carol Pickett. He is survived by many cherished cousins, nephews, and nieces.
All are welcome to join us as we celebrate the life of John Pickett this Tuesday, August 22 from 5-8pm at The North House 1 Nod Rd Avon, CT.
Donations can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741.
Please visit John's Book of Memories at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online tributes.