John Charles Shalvoy

John Charles Shalvoy, Sr., 90, of Fairfield, died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, June 2, 2015. John was the son of John R. and Evelyn Grace Shalvoy. Born and raised in Bridgeport, CT, he graduated from Bassick High School in the class of 1942. He attended the Junior College of Connecticut and Yale University before serving as a Naval Aviator (LTJG) in the U.S. Navy. During World War II, he flew PBY multi-engine patrol bombers and served as a U.S. Naval Reserve Unit Training Officer after the war back in Bridgeport. He was an alumnus of the Rhode Island School of Design with a BFA in Industrial Design (1950). At RISD, he met his future wife Mary Lou and they were married in 1952. John worked as an Industrial Designer for 35 years in the General Electric Housewares Division (and later Black & Decker), where he held 12 Mechanical and Design Patents for irons, vacuum cleaners, hair dryers, blenders, and toasters. After retiring, John was able to pursue his other lifelong love of music, with a second career as a professional pianist. He played with the Reminiscence Dance Band and also as a solo artist at various venues throughout lower Fairfield County. He was a member of the Gaelic American Glee Club and founded the Mini-Gaels singing group. He also volunteered his time at Grasmere Eldercare, Fairfield Senior Center, STAR Society, Evergreen Network, Kennedy Center, Salvation Army and the Westport Country Playhouse. John was predeceased by his wife Mary Lou and is survived by his daughter Robin and son John, Jr., both of Fairfield, his sisters-in-law Joan Carr Shalvoy of Longmeadow, MA and Elizabeth Phillips Rich of Bel Air, MD, as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews. The family would like to express their appreciation to John's caregivers at the Carolton as well as Visiting Nurses and Chaifetz Family Hospice. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Pius X Church in Fairfield, CT at 11:00am on Saturday, June 6, 2015.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the United Cerebral Palsy Foundation (ucp.org) or a charity of your choice. For further information or to sign an online guest register please visit www.SpearMillerFuneralHome.com