Former Connecticut State Representative John Warner Hetherington died at home on Flag Day surrounded by his family 246 years after the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777. He was 84. John was a true gentleman, a patriot, a loyal friend, and a scholar. He loved his family and his country deeply, and had a quiet, yet strong faith.
John Hetherington
John was born in Queens, New York, on August 15, 1938, to John Kells Hetherington and Susanna Louisa Warner.
He spoke thoughtfully, often with a wry sense of humor and led by example. He retired with the rank of Captain after 30 years of Navy and Navy Reserve service. His military career included time on the USS John R. Pierce (DD-753), an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer.
John moved to New Canaan with his wife and children in 1983. Like many, he commuted into New York City daily, yet always made time for family and to participate in town committees and organizations.
A graduate of Yale College and Yale Law School, John worked at the Federal Reserve district bank of New York as an attorney and practiced maritime law before joining the legal department of West Virginia Pulp & Paper Corporation (Westvaco) in the 1960s. He retired from MeadWestvaco and joined Rucci, Burnham, Carta & Carello, LLP (Rucci Law Group, LLC) in New Canaan, where he did trust and estate work, and helped bring a successful class action lawsuit against CNA Insurance for its failure to pay long-term care insurance claims.
John represented New Canaan and the western portion of Wilton (125th Assembly District) in the Connecticut General Assembly from 2003 until 2013 when he did not seek re-election. He thoroughly enjoyed his time in Hartford, particularly when he was able to help constituents solve a difficult problem. He served on several committees, and one of his many highlights was being Ranking Member on the Judiciary Committee. He understood that everyone wants to be heard and took time to listen, consider and respond to every phone call or letter he received.
In addition to his love of history, John cared deeply for animals. His passion for life and knowledge, and his interest in model trains was passed to his children and grandchildren.
John battled Alzheimer’s disease and died following two strokes. He is survived by his wife, Hope, his two children, Kells and Jane, and their spouses, Alison Hetherington and Greg Loop, and his two granddaughters, Charlie Loop and Lydia Hetherington.
We will miss his unwavering love, wise counsel, and endless array of bow ties.
A memorial service will be held at the New Canaan Congregational Church at 11 AM on Saturday, June 24. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the Connecticut Humane Society or the New Canaan Food Pantry.
I am very sad to hear this news.
John was a wonderful man who not only represented New Canaan for 5 terms in Hartford, but who served our community on the Town Council for 2 terms, Planning and Zoning Commission,ZBA, and Board of Assessment Appeals.
I reached out to John a few times when he was our state representative. Each time he was courteous,willing to assist, and I could count on him for a follow-up call.
My condolence to Hope, Kells, Jane and the Hetherington family on the loss of a wonderful family man and dedicated public servant.
The definition of a true gentleman
Rest in peace, John. A good friend and good man.
When I was head of the legislative committee for the Reg. Of Voters Assoc., John was on the election committee of the stat legislature. As part of the Republican leadership, John was always ready to listen and assist us through the process.
We lost a friend, and he will be missed.
John Hetherington was the model for all great public servants. He was kind, compassionate, thoroughly trustworthy, and eternally committed to a thoughtful and respectful political discourse.
Our town and our community at large will be lessened by his loss. He will be greatly missed.
John Hetherington embodied the essence of a true public servant, knowledgeable, trustworthy and deeply caring. I enjoyed many long commutes on I 91 with John to conduct Town business. He made it all worthwhile. His love for our community and service on the Town Council, Commissions and Board’s prepared him for his very successful terms in Hartford. My sincere condolences to Hope and the Hetherington family.
The Consummate Lawyer/Legislator and Consummate Gentleman – John was respected by all who knew him for his intelligence and humor that was, at times, somewhat inconsistent with his bow tie demeanor. John was all about helping others. God Bless and comfort John, Hope, Kells, Jane and their entire family. John will be deeply missed.
I am devastated to learn of such a terrible loss. He was my friend the entire time I was in office for over 22 years! Loved John and all who served with him also had the greatest respect and admiration for him. A true gentleman and patriot. He not only served our country with distinction but New Canaan and the state of CT with the highest ethnics and integrity. The affection he engendered was evident on his last day in public office when men on all sides of the political aisle wore bow ties in his honor. Deepest sympathy to Hope and his much-loved children and grandchildren ❤️
Gentleman. Wisdom. Integrity. Just a few words that come to mind when thinking of John Hetherington. He was a gentle man, caring and compassionate, a true public servant. He was an exceptional listener; but when he spoke, people stopped and took note. His perspectives were always insightful, eloquent, and well thought. John’s stature was not physically imposing; but rather came from his head and his heart. New Canaan and Connecituct are fortunate to have had his service. RIP John. My sincere condolences to Hope and the entire family.
John was a true Patriot and New Canaanite. He and my father were good friends – such a thoughtful and upright man! May he rest in peace in the Kingdom!