James A. Zagryn, 79, of Harwinton, beloved husband of Therese “Terry” (Rodrigue) Zagryn, died on Sunday (May 10, 2026) in the comfort of his own home.
James was born on June 21, 1946, in Bristol and was a son of the late Anthony C. and Mary (Northam) Zagryn.
He was raised in Bristol and attended Bristol Central High School before enlisting to serve in the United States Navy from 1963-1967. He and Terry moved to Harwinton in 1976 where they raised their family.
James worked as a supervisor for SNET/SBC for 34 years before his retirement.
A self-taught do-it-yourself guy, he could fix any mechanical thing. Many people called him for advice on fixing things. James loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fly fishing and fly-tying. He stayed active hiking and cycling and was a former ski instructor at Ski Sundown. He was a member of the Harwinton Rod and Gun Club and enjoyed watching UConn basketball.
In addition to his loving wife of 60 years, James is survived by his son: James R. Zagryn and his wife, Melissa Falvo of Middletown; a son-in-law: Craig Fischberg of Middleton, WI; three siblings: Robert Zagryn and wife, Susan of Texas, Nancy Coughlin and husband, Michael of East Hartford and Carol Chiarillo and husband, Stephen of Bristol; two grandchildren: Carl Fischberg and wife, Jessie of Vancouver, WA and Karen Fischberg of Milwaukee, WI; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his daughter: Laurie Fischberg.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday (May 16, 2026) at 2 PM at Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Ave., Bristol followed by military honors. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday between 12 and 2 PM prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Harwinton Volunteer Ambulance, 166 Burlington Rd., Harwinton, CT 06791. Please visit James’ memorial website at www.FunkFuneralHome.com.