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Beloved Former State Rep Known For Wearing Cowboy Hat At CT Capitol Building Dies

A former Connecticut state representative and Army veteran who was known for always wearing his cowboy hat and boots at the Capitol Building has died. 

Stafford resident and former state representative John Mordasky has died at the age of 97.

Stafford resident and former state representative John Mordasky has died at the age of 97.

Photo Credit: Introvigne Funeral Home

Stafford Springs resident John Mordasky died on Saturday, April 1 at the age of 97, according to his obituary. 

Born and raised in Stafford, Mordasky, a Democrat, represented Connecticut's 52nd District for 22 years while simultaneously making sure he had the time to milk his cows twice a day, his obituary said. 

During his political career, Mordasky served on Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committees, and also eventually became an Assistant Majority Leader in the House of Representatives. 

In addition to his career in Hartford, Mordasky also served on Stafford's Board of Selectmen and on the Zoning Board of Appeals. 

Respected by both Democrats and Republicans, Mordasky brought many positive changes to his district, according to his obituary, and was known for always making his opinion known. 

In addition to his political career, Mordasky also served his country in the US Army, enlisting in 1943 and serving in the Army Air Corps as a tail gunner on a B-29. In this role, he flew 22 missions over Japan. 

After coming home, Mordasky went on to become a farmer, and at one point, he housed 600 dairy cows, 26 horses, and an assortment of dogs and cats on his property, Pinerise Dairy Farm. 

He also worked as a blacksmith, a saw-mill operator, a mechanic, and an electrician during his long life, according to his obituary. 

Mordasky is survived by his wife of 74 years, Rosie, who he met at the University of Connecticut; their six children, Rose, Maureen, Frances, David, Bill, and John; and numerous other grandchildren and relatives. 

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