John Dalton, 87, had served in Navy

John E. Dalton, 87, of Brookfield, died Jan. 22. He was the widower of Callie (Wheeler) Dalton, to whom he was married 60 years.

Mr. Dalton was born Dec. 13, 1924, in Georgetown, Mass., the son of the late Raymond and Lillian (King) Dalton. He attended Art's Students League in New York City.

He served in the Navy during World War II.

Mr. Dalton was an amateur astronomer and built his own observatory, complete with his telescope.

He also was an organic gardener for more than 30 years.

His hobbies included painting and building model ships, and he enjoyed playing the Lowry Organ.

Mr. Dalton is survived by five children, Ray Dalton, and his wife Dorothy, of New Milford, Mark Dalton, and his wife, Cherie, of Woodbury, Steve Dalton, and his wife, Claudia, of Bennington, Vt., Elyse Dalton, and her friend, Alex, and Cindy Dalton and Robert Wade Dalton of Honeoye, N.Y.; 11 grandchildren, Carl, Dan, and his wife, Jeanane, Katie, Becky, Jason, Matthew, Stephanie, Cody, and his wife, Leah, Jeremy, and his wife, Leigha, Wallace, and his wife, Jessie, Kayla and Christopher; three great-grandchildren, Brady, Parker and Portia; two sisters, Louise Phillips, of Deltona, Fla., and Sally Murphy, of New Milford. He was predeceased by a brother, Burt.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to VITAS Innovative Hospice, 99 Hawley Lane, Suite 1204, Stratford, CT 06614.

Funeral services are private and will be held at the direction of the family.

There will be no calling hours.

CornellMemorial is in charge of arrangements.