Local Conservationist Remembered Through Environmental Fund

When considering what would be the most appropriate way to carry on her husband’s work and passion for conservation and the environment, Joyce DeCesare of Waterbury turned to CCF.

“Having been a member of the Connecticut Community Foundation since 1999, I knew of the many options available to continue one’s legacy, and the impact it could make in the lives of countless individuals,” said Joyce. “I felt this was a perfect opportunity to utilize the Foundation’s unique resources to carry on John’s mission of improving the quality of life within the community.”

Joyce established a donor advised fund to accept contributions in memory of her husband in 2009. She chose to use the assets in the advised fund and subsequent contributions to establish the John A. and Joyce S. DeCesare Fund for the Environment.

Distributions from this permanent endowment fund go to nonprofits that protect and preserve the environment.

John Made an Impact at State and Local Levels
John was a senior industrial engineer, an educator and civic leader who had an extensive background as a consultant, speaker and facilitator of conferences on environmental issues.

“John’s ambition was to conserve our remaining natural resources,” said Joyce. “It was his belief that environmental education was an essential component for future generations to enjoy a better and healthier lifestyle.”

Some of his accomplishments at the state level included serving as vice president of The Connecticut Sportsman’s Alliance, founder of the Housatonic Fly Fishermen’s Association, initiator of “Scenic River Status” for the Housatonic River, and “Run of the River” authorization for the Housatonic River.

John also received Connecticut’s first “Environmental Award” for enriching the environment in 1973.

At the local level, he was the former chairman of the Waterbury Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission for more than 16 years, and he served on the Steering Committee for Waterbury’s New Plan for Conservation and Development.

“John modeled his life after the philosophy of Henry David Thoreau, ‘I love nature partly because she is not man, but a retreat from him’,” added Joyce. “The creation of this fund hopefully will increase awareness and help others to love nature as John and Henry David Thoreau did.”