Lt. John R. Quilter

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of Lieutenant John Rene Quilter, who left this world on January 18, 2025, at the age of 49 surrounded by the love of his family.   John dedicated his all too brief life to serving others, finding purpose and fulfillment in his work, his family, and his community.

Born in Bristol on December 30, 1975, John was a graduate of Bristol Central High School, and met the love of his life and soul mate, Melissa (McCarty) at the age of 16.  Inseparable since that day, they shared nearly 28 years of marriage, raised three loving and successful children and became proud grandparents earlier this month, a moment that brought immense joy. 

John proudly served his country in the United States Army before beginning a distinguished 25-year career with the Plainville Police Department in 1999. He retired as a Lieutenant in December, leaving behind a legacy of dedication that was felt by all who knew him. His passion for his role and commitment to serving the public were evident in every interaction, enriching the lives of countless individuals in the community he cherished.   He was a pillar of strength and selflessness, who instilled values of respect and kindness not only to his family but also to the greater community. His active involvement with the Plainville Rotary Club and his role as a youth sports coach, from Colts football to little league and soccer, to running the PAL basketball league for the Plainville Police Association, his actions reflected his deep commitment to the development and well-being of young people.  John explored a new passion as a licensed realtor in recent years, whose clients quickly became friends. He found solace and joy at his vacation home in Myrtle Beach, often referred to as his “happy place,” where he dreamed of retiring and carrying on the tradition of daily beach walks and capturing sunset selfies with Missy.  New to guitar playing, taught by a beloved friend, Mark, John loved to fill the air with music and enjoyed any and all outdoor adventures, including camping, boating, dirt bike and quad riding.  A devoted family man, friend, and brother to his colleagues in the police department, he leaves a remarkable legacy and his presence will missed beyond words.

In addition to his wife, Missy, he leaves his children, Austin Quilter (Kara), Brendan Quilter, (Kayla Stanchfield) and their son, Maverick John; and Caitlyn Quilter (J.C. Lok); his father, John “Jack” Quilter (Marsha Kennedy); his sister, Meredith Dodge (Jamey);  his nieces and nephews, Zachary, Billy, and Bobby Dodge, and Alexis and Mariah McCarty; his in-laws, Michael and Brenda McCarty; brother-in-law Michael McCarty (Diana Rivera) and his maternal grandfather, Rene Soto.  He was predeceased by his mother, Alva (Soto) Quilter and his infant daughter Maddison Elizabeth.

In lieu of flowers, John may be remembered with contributions to the Plainville Colts Football and Cheer, PO Box 750, Plainville, CT 06062 or venmo @plainvillecolts; PARC, 28 E. Maple St., Plainville, CT 06062 orhttp://www.parcdisabilitiesct.org; or the PAL, c/o Plainville Police Association, 19 Neal Ct., Plainville, CT 06062.

Family and friends may gather on Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. at Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad St, Plainville.  A celebration of John’s life, led by Life Celebrant Jesse Gnazzo, will be held on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. at the Plainville High School auditorium, 47 Robert Holcomb Way, Plainville.  Committal with military honors will follow at Forestville Cemetery.  For online expressions of sympathy, please visit http://www.PlainvilleFuneralHome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lt. John R. Quilter, please visit our floral store.