John B. Fahey, Jr. (Nov. 3, 1940 – Aug. 4, 2020) beloved husband of Catherine Doyle Fahey and long-time owner of Fahey Associates Realtors, of Litchfield, Connecticut died on August 4, 2020, at Yale-New Haven Hospital.
John was a treasured husband, a fantastic brother, a dedicated son, an exceptional friend and a gentleman. John will be remembered as the consummate outdoorsman who enjoyed fly-fishing and hunting in many parts of the world. Although John was an avid traveler, he always appreciated spending time at home surrounded by local wildlife and being with his dear wife, Katie, and their pooch, Ajax.
An Eagle Scout and a graduate of St. Anselm College, John was a well-respected businessman and life-long Rotarian. He was also a devoted supporter of The Marshepaug Forest Club where he was a member for 27 years and served as its President from 2005-2018. John’s generous property donation enabled the building of Marshepaug’s clubhouse, thus creating community wherever he went. An active member of Sanctum and a communicant at St. Anthony’s of Padua Church, John was truly an anchor for the Litchfield County at large.
John’s dedication to the Litchfield community, which he dearly loved, was never more evident than in his real estate practice. The agents fondly referred to themselves as the Fahey Realtors family. He always took the extra step to be sure the new homeowner was welcomed and integrated into the community. As a long-time member of the Litchfield County Board of Realtors, John helped shape Litchfield into the wonderful place he called home throughout his life.
He often met with friends at the Litchfield Country Club or hosted his extended family for gatherings at home. It was in these environments where John’s love for an in-depth conversation and a well-made cocktail were on full display. While he dedicated many years to Fahey Realtors, those closest to John know that it was his unwavering adoration of his wife Katie which truly gave him the happiest days of his life. Although they met later in life, their love for each other gave John a new purpose and joy.
In addition to his wife, John leaves behind his sisters Maureen Sullivan of West Palm Beach, Florida, Kathleen Schjelderup (Harald) of Orsta, Norway, Eileen Gardner (Sherman) of Gilbert, Arizona and brother, Thomas Fahey (Irene) of Moodus, CT. His sister, Jane Fahey, and his parents John B. Fahey, Sr. and Mary Q. Fahey predeceased him. John’s passing is also mourned by his in-laws of the extended Doyle family, Dr. Michael Doyle (Debra), of Mesa, Arizona, Patricia Baran, of Randolph, Iowa, Judith Wischik, of Shenandoah, Iowa, John Doyle (Dixie), of Tabor, Iowa, James Doyle (Melonie), of Randolph, Iowa as well as his 19 nieces and nephews.
John will be missed by the many wonderful friends he gathered throughout his life.
For their support and dedication, we extend a very special thank you to Susan Jordan and her husband Jay Youngling, John’s business partner and dear friend for over 50 years. Also, his family greatly appreciates the caring nurses and staff at Yale-New Haven Hospital, especially Dr. Richard Formica, Director of Transplant Medicine at Yale, for his physical care and compassion.
And one last special thank you to Ralph Slone, a long-time friend of both John and Katie, who introduced them seventeen years ago, knowing even then that they were a match made in heaven. The first words John uttered every morning were, “Thank you, Ralph!”
A celebration of John’s life will be held at a future date. Donations in his memory may be made to Donate Life Connecticut or to SPCA of Connecticut.