John Heath Bloodgood of Bloomfield, passed away on Friday, February 23, 2024. He was the beloved husband of Melinda “Linda” (Barrows) Bloodgood for 64 years.
John was born in Hartford, CT on April 19, 1932. He was the son of the late Frank Percy Bloodgood, Jr. and Margaret (Sutherland) Bloodgood. He attended public schools in West Hartford and graduated from Trinity College in 1954 with a Bachelor of Arts degree and later a Master of Arts degree. While at Trinty College, he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and was awarded a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship. He was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity.
In 1954 upon graduation from Trinity, John was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force and was stationed at the Air Force Cambridge Research Center. He was then stationed at Hanscom Air Base in Bedford, MA. John was released from active duty in 1956; and served in the Air Force Reserve until 1968 when he was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain.
Following John’s military service, he was employed with Travelers Insurance Companies, where he was a Vice President. He attended the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. Notably, John was appointed by Governor Meskill to serve on the State of Connecticut Investment Advisory Council. He was a former Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Surety Association of America; and former Corporator of Hartford Hospital for 30 years, in addition to membership on several former Boards. John was also a proud member of the Col. Jeremiah Wadsworth Branch of the Sons of the American Revolution, the Holland Society of New York, and the Old Guard of West Harford, as well as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels.
Upon his retirement, he and his wife, Linda, moved to Kiawah Island, SC. They lived there for 10 wonderful years, and then returned to Connecticut to be near their children and grandchildren. John loved baseball, golf, and music. In his early years, he was a pitcher in high school, American Legion baseball, college, and the Hartford Twilight League. Later, he took up golf and played for most of his adult life. John especially enjoyed Jazz and Swing music. During his retirement, he began playing drums again after nearly 40 years. While living on Kiawah Island, he played drums in several musical groups and became of a member of a band in New Britian following his family’s move to CT. John and Linda recently became members of Old St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Bloomfield.
In addition to his beloved wife, John is survived by his daughters: Lisa B. Weedon of Simsbury; Sara B. Brawley of Westerly, RI; and Martha B. Ridgewell of Rutland, MA; his grandchildren: Christopher K. Weedon, Jr; Austin S. Brawley; Caroline I. Ridgewell; Cameron H. Ridgewell; and Colin B. Ridgewell.
In addition to his parents, John is predeceased by his brother, Frank P. Bloodgood, III; his stepmother, Bernice C. Bloodgood; and his stepsister, Carolyn R. Roberts.
John’s immense love and respect for his wife and family, which he proudly exhibited each day of his life, will never be forgotten. The Bloodgood Family would like to thank the staff and resident community of Seabury for all the support they have provided for John and his family.