John Singleton

Obituary for John “Doc” Singleton
Retired New Haven Firefighter John “Doc” Singleton passed away peacefully on March 5, 2025. He was born in New Haven on January 18, 1940, son of the late John Singleton and Katherine (Reynolds) Singleton. He was a long-time resident of Orange Street and a 1957 graduate of Wilbur Cross High School. John later joined the New Haven Fire Department serving over 30 years before his retirement in 1994. He was also a long-time part-time employee of Sisk Brothers Funeral Home and The Jury Box.
“Doc” was a lifetime member of the Knights of St. Patrick and Elks Lodge 25. He was a regular presence at the clubs as well as many New Haven establishments over the years. He frequently marched in the New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade as a proud member of the Fire Department. Doc was also an avid Boston Red Sox and New York Football Giants Fan. “Uncle Johnny” will be remembered by his nieces and nephews as a kind and generous uncle who never missed a family event. He was legendary for his Christmas Eve Tour, making several stops at the homes of family and friends, leaving gifts and good cheer in his wake before returning home in the wee hours. In his later years Johnny had numerous health challenges, always facing them with a pleasant disposition and positive outlook.
John is survived by his nieces and nephews, Patricia Schwab, Kevin Lamb, Timothy Lamb, Michael Cummings, Thomas Cummings, Catherine Dame, John Cummings, Mary Cummings Barillaro and their families. He was predeceased by his parents and sisters, Catherine Lamb and Patricia Cummings. John was a daily customer of Hamden Town House Restaurant and will be missed by the staff and regulars. John’s family is grateful for the kind and compassionate care provided by the staff at Elim Park over the last several years.
Funeral will be held from Sisk Brothers Funeral Home, 3105 Whitney Avenue, Hamden Monday, March 10. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects from 8:30 am to 9:30 am at the funeral home. The procession will leave at 9:30 for a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph’s Church, 129 Edwards Street, New Haven at 10:00 am. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be sent to Knights of St. Patrick, 1533 State Street, New Haven, CT 06511. To leave an online condolence please visit www.siskbrothers.com.

John Singleton became a member of the New Haven Fire Department on February 7, 1964. Like many other members of the department, John grew up in the historic Goatville Neighborhood of New Haven. In today’s era many people ask where is Goatville – I never heard of it.
His first assignment was at Engine Company #8 at the Whitney Station. Ironically the original Engine Company #8 was located at 19 Edwards Street in the Goatville neighborhood from 1874 until 1963 when it relocated to the Whitney Avenue location.
On September 27, 1965 John was transferred to Engine Company #3 at Park & Elm Street – one of the busiest firefighting companies in the city. On July 4, 1970 with the advent of the 42-hour work week, John, like many others in the reorganization of the Department, was transferred to Engine Company #7 at East Battalion Headquarters. Eleven years later Engine Company #7 was disbanded and all assigned became members of Tactical Unit #2 covering the East side of the city. His final career assignment in 1985 took him to Engine Company #15 where he completed his 30-year career retiring on June 15, 1994.
He was part of five Unit Citations for actions on September 1, 1967 – 370 Ellsworth Ave.; November 11, 1967 – 100 Dwight Street; November 18, 1968 – 1285 Boulevard; May 2, 1973 – 95 Chapel Street; and April 11, 1991 – West Rock Park.
John was a member of New Haven Firefighters Local 825 International Association of Firefighters AFL/CIO. Sadly, he passed away on March 5, 2025 at the age of 85. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at Saint Joseph Church, 129 Edward Street (Goatville) on Monday, March 10th at 10:00 a.m. May he rest in peace.