April 14, 1948 – October 20, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John Demlein Jr., at the age of 77, on October 20, 2025, after a prolonged illness. John was born on April 14, 1948, in Elmira, N.Y. to John Demlein and Mary Ann Gander Demlein. He was the oldest of eight siblings.
After high school, John attended RPI, Rensselaer Polytech institute in Troy, N.Y. for one year before attending the Navel Academy. After graduation from the Navel academy, John attended Michigan State for post graduate studies, receiving a master’s degree in systems engineering. John was assigned to the USS Narwhal where he served a variety of assignments including Reactor Control and Sonar Officer. John was assigned to the USS Tullibee as an engineer officer, and in 1977 was transferred to the USS Ohio as an Engineer Officer. John then served as an Executive Officer of the USS Andrew Jackson (Gold) from 1982-1986. From 1986-1989 John was the Commanding Officer of the USS Sculpin. Then from 1991- 1993 John proudly served as the Captain of the USS West Virginia (Blue). John became the Chief of Staff in New London, CT, from 1993-1997, earning numerous achievements and awards for his integrity and leadership. Following his distinguished military service, John worked at Yale and at Sonalysts in Waterford, CT.
John had a love for gourmet cooking, preparing and serving delicious meals to family and friends. John’s true delight was in singing with the Mystic River Corral, the Anglican Singers, and the Salt Marsh Opera. John also enjoyed sailing in Stonington, and taking flying lessons, working on his pilot’s license.
John is survived by his wife Leslie Clark- Demlein, his two children, Christopher Demlein, and Jessica Martin, his seven siblings, Tom , Susan, Joe, Peter, Marilyn, Jim, and Chris. He is also survived by four grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews, John is survived by his long-time friend, Bill Thorne.
Friends and family are invited to attend visitation on Wednesday, October 22nd at Mystic Funeral Home from 5:00-7:00p.m. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick Church 32 East Main St., Mystic on Thursday at 10:00am. Burial will follow with Military Honors at The Elm Grove Cemetery 197 Greenmanville Ave. in Mystic.
Updated:22 October 2025
Curator: Ed Moore