John Bustelos, Jr., age 80, of Woodbridge, beloved husband of Joan Jarusinsky  Bustelos entered eternal rest on October 7, 2023, after a long illness fought with courage beyond measure. John was born to the late John and Catherine Bustelos in White Plains, NY.

He was a proud graduate of Manhattan College, Riverdale, NY where he received a BBA in Accounting/Finance.  After practicing public accounting/auditing for three years, he went on to earn an MBA in Health Care Administration from George Washington University in Washington, DC.  He worked as Assistant Administration at St. Agnes Hospital and Union Memorial in Baltimore, MD for 8 years then became Executive Vice- President, COO at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton, NY for 3 years.  For 18 years he served as President, CEO of Griffin Health Services/Griffin Hospital in Derby, CT.  Here John brought about a radical transformation of Griffin Hospital.  He instituted the Planetree concept, an all-encompassing patient centered philosophy, along with a $30 million  hospital renovation conforming its physical environment to the new  philosophy.  He established a host of unique programs and services that addressed the holistic needs of its patients.  Under John's leadership patients, medical staff, employees and importantly the community were imbued with a newfound pride in its hospital.  As his greatest achievement, Griffin Hospital became an exemplar of a fully empowered and quality community hospital with a nationwide reputation for excellence.  After leaving the hospital, John became Executive Director of the International institute for Bioenergetic Analysis, NY, NY, serving the worldwide needs of the organization and leading many European conferences and workshops.

In addition to his beloved wife of 35 years, he leaves behind his devoted children, John Michael, and Virginia (Joe), two grandchildren, Billy and Mikey, his faithful companion, Mandy, his brother Jim (Charlotte), of Middletown, NY, many loved nieces and nephews, and grand nieces and nephews.

John's life was rich and rewarding, and he was always thankful for his many blessings.  He was an enthusiastic sports fan with greatest loyalty to the NY Yankees and Giants and enjoyed following the Manhattan College basketball team.  He enjoyed boating, reading, cooking, working on home projects, loving his Retrievers, and spending holidays with dear extended family.  He and his wife enjoyed entertaining family and friends at their lakeside home in Maine.  Retirement allowed him and his wife to make numerous trips exploring Italy with dear friends from Milan acting as guides. Enjoyment also came from trips to France and exploring his roots in Spain.   His loss is immeasurable but his compassion, zest for life, and the love, laughter, and beautiful memories he leaves behind will be missed by many whose lives he touched.

Visitation will take place on Monday, October 16, 2023, from 10 – 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Assumption Church 81 Center Road Woodbridge, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Interment will be in Mt. St. Peter's Cemetery, Derby.

In lieu of flowers those desiring may make a donation to: Labs4rescue Inc. P.O. Box 955 Killingworth, CT 06419. The Adzima Funeral Home- Stratford has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.