NORWICH – John R. Huhtala, 68, of Norwich and Marco Island, Fla., passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010, while visiting New York City with his family.
Born in March of 1942 in Chicago, John was the son of Andrew and Emelie Lahti Huhtala. While growing up in Chicago, he attended and graduated from Roosevelt High School. John then began his career at Norwich Eaton Pharmaceuticals in Chicago. John took time away from his career to serve his country in the United States Coast Guard. He resumed his career in Norwich, after completing his active duty in 1963. During his tenure with Norwich Eaton, John worked in many departments. He was innovative and enterprising, a team leader in every sense of the word. People didn’t work “for” John, they worked “with” him. From 1975 through 1979, John took over the operation of the Canadian Subsidiary as President and, far from closing it down as the locals feared, he built a team and made it all run smoothly. He returned to Norwich in 1979 as Vice President of Human Resources. John was instrumental in the transition from Norwich Eaton to Procter & Gamble in 1982. John continued to be a positive influence at P&G. He was very proud of being a mover behind the donation of the Eaton Center to the community after P&G downsized, knowing it would help create needed jobs. He retired from P&G in July of 1997.
He was a family-oriented person and an avid golfer, having played in tournaments at the Canasawacta Country Club and at courses in Naples, Fla. He was proud of the fact that he and son John won their flight in this year’s member/guest tournament at the CCC. For numerous years John and his family enjoyed their vacations and, later, winters in Florida, and summers at their home on Chenango Lake.
Known as “Mr. Generosity,” John just loved to give presents to children and sharing his good fortune. Christmas time was his time. He was also community-minded, having belonged to the Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Development Agency, and the Norwich Elks Lodge #1222. A die-hard fan of both the Chicago Bears and Cubs, John enjoyed following their games.
On Nov. 28, 1964, in Sherburne, John married Gail Brancato Huhtala, who survives. He is also survived by his sons and their wives, David and Kelly Huhtala of Baldwinsville and John E. and Kimberly Huhtala of Brooklyn; by his grandchildren, Nicholas, Sydney and Emma Rose; and by several cherished nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister and brother, Ruth Schwartz and Paul Huhtala.
Funeral services for John will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday from St. Paul’s Church. The Rev. Ralph Bove will officiate. Interment will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery. Friends are invited to call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.
Members of the Norwich Elks Lodge #1222 will conduct a memorial service at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday.
In John’s memory, please consider contributions to Toys for Tots, c/o Roger Barnhart, 107 Crest Dr., Bainbridge, NY 13733.