WALLINGFORD - John (Yunkie) Jakiela, age 85, passed away on Sunday March 28, 2010 in Meriden. He was the husband of the late Elizabeth Posluszny. Born June 5, 1924 in Southington to the late Charles and Antonia (Liro) Jakiela he was the youngest of five children. John moved to Wallingford at an early age and lived there raising his family. A graduate of Lyman Hall HS he entered the service in the Army/Air Force and was stationed in England at Dover Air Force base during the war. He was very proud of his years in the service and told many stories of his time there. He loved exploring the countryside on his bicycle whenever he could. He continued that love of exploration when he returned by taking his girls and many kids in the neighborhood on Sunday afternoon bike rides or walks as they all grew up and in his later years loading his bike into his truck and riding around the Mystic waterway trails. After his discharge from the service, he worked for Lacourciere�s Paint Store and in 1974 purchased the business and owned it until 1981. He ended his career at Gaylord Hospital in their maintenance department where he made many friends among the staff and where he was able to go out and hit a few golf balls on the Farms golf course during his lunch break. After his retirement he devoted his spring, summer and fall to playing as many rounds of golf as he could; and to visiting and playing with his grandchildren. He is survived by his daughters Janice Monteiro and her husband Robert of Portsmouth RI; Nancy Benson and her husband Mark (Rocky) and Gail Van Buiten and her husband Marty of Wallingford. He was very proud of his five grandchildren; Julie and Alex Monteiro, Cody Benson and Jessica and Charlene Van Buiten. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, VFW and American Legion organizations and a parishioner of The Most Holy Trinity Church for many years. Relatives and friends may call on Tuesday, March 30th from 4 � 7 PM at the B.C. Bailey Funeral Home, 273 S. Elm Street, Wallingford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 31st at 10 AM at Most Holy Trinity Church in Wallingford with interment to follow in St. John�s Cemetery in Wallingford. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Masters Manna, 46 North Plains Industrial Road, Wallingford CT 06492.