John A Etzold

John Andrew Etzold, DDS, 88, of New Hartford, CT and Torrington, CT, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on April, 2. 2018 after a long illness. John was devoted to the Christian faith, loving his family and friends, and helping others.

Born on Sept. 11, 1929, in Detroit, MI, he spent most of his formative years in McPherson, KS and Taos, NM. John graduated from the Citadel in 1954; soon after, he served our country in Korea in the Army and reached the rank of Major. In 1965 he graduated from the University of Texas, Dental Branch in Houston, TX. He went on to practice dentistry in Texas, Saudi Arabia and Connecticut. John led an exciting life; he got his pilot's license and enjoyed flying his Cessna 172 in his 30's. He went scuba diving in the Red Sea and the Great Barrier Reef, and skied in the Swiss Alps in his 50's. He loved to travel and had the good fortune to circumnavigate the world three times.

John also used his gifts for the benefit of others; for example, he provided dental care to orphans in Mexico and went on other short term mission trips. John was on mission boards at the various churches he attended through the years and took pleasure in singing in the choir, attending Bible studies and serving as a deacon. He was also active in Tres Dias and Kairos prison ministry.  John was a Boy Scout, a member of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution and was involved in civic activities. He was a Rotarian, and participated in several local Chambers of Commerce. He was also active in politics and worked on many campaigns. 

Mostly, John wanted to share the love of Christ with others, and he cherished spending time with his family and friends. John was predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Sara (Engberg) Etzold, and two of his brothers, David and William. He is survived by his daughter, Laura, and her husband, Christopher Roehl of New Hartford, his brother J. Stephen Etzold, together with four nephews and one niece, and their children.  The family would like to thank their friends for their love, support and prayers.

Calling hours and a short funeral service will be held Friday, April 6, 2018 from 4:30 - 7:00pm (service starting at 6:15pm) at Phalen Funeral Home, 285 Migeon Ave, Torrington, CT. Burial service will be at Hillside Cemetery, at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to Praise Christian Fellowship, 52 New Hartford Rd, Barkhamsted, CT 06063 (860) 738-9039. Online giving may be made on their website: http://praisepcf.org/

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