Irving Tuttle King

NORTHFORD - Irving Tuttle King, 91, of Northford, CT, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family in the early morning of Saturday, December 24, 2022. He was the son of the late John and Ethel Irene (Tuttle) King, and loving husband to the late Jean (Backes) King.

Born on March 15, 1931, Irving grew up on Shagbark Dairy Farm with his sister, Barbara. In fact, his home today still stands on the cow pasture where he helped his father with the various farm animals that he loved dearly as a child (even the cat that his father would have wake him up each morning by jumping on him in bed with its cold paws). He worked alongside his father on the farm until he was old enough to reach the pedals – then he was off on the tractors!

Irving graduated Lyman Hall High School in 1949 and then enrolled in engineering classes at UCONN.  While at UCONN he completed the requirements of the Basic Course, Senior Division, Air Force ROTC from September 1949 to June 1951. He then worked as a mechanic at Ohr’s Service Station in the mid-1950’s, and it was here that he met his wife, Jean.  Apparently, Jean had frequent “car problems” that always led her to bring her car to Ohr’s…conveniently to spend time with Irving. By 1959 they were joyfully married. Afterwards, Irving worked at M. Backes & Sons Fireworks, followed by working for Revere Corp. of America where he made scales for weighing engines and airplane parts.

He was very proud and fond of his work at the Northford Company 2 Volunteer Fire Department, which he dedicated 60 years of service as both a member and honorary member. Through the years, he trained many drivers and firefighters. Members of the fire department referred to him as the “quiet voice of reason.” During each Fall, he would give his driver safety speech about wet leaves and traction on the pavement. He insisted that the younger members refer to him as “Irv” because he felt that by the time they would have yelled “Mr. King” in a fire, he might have already had a “wooden beam fall on him.”

Throughout the years, Irving enjoyed a variety of hobbies, often surround by those he loved out in nature. From boating to camping, he enjoyed taking his daughters, Donna and Cheryl, on adventures they fondly recount to this day. He also enjoyed snowmobiling, and he was a member of the “Sugah Valley Snow Riders” in NH, where he additionally assisted in clearing trails. As he and Jean got older, they became snowbirds and drove down to Florida to enjoy the warmer weather. While in Florida, he took the FEMA Community Emergency Response Team Training and assisted the Collier County Emergency Radio Association. Irving also became a loving grandfather to his cherished grandsons. He was no doubt an inspiration for William as they both are Amateur Radio Operators – Irving’s call sign since a child being “W1ERE.” He supported James with his school and sport activities, and joining him in the Walk for Autism.

Irving is remembered as a caring family man and an always supportive brother. He is survived by his two daughters, Cheryl Norrie (and husband Greg) and Donna King Valleau (and husband Matthew); sister, Barbara Stone; grandsons, James and William Valleau; niece and nephews, Veronica and Fred Stone, and Kevin (and wife Dorothy) Jordan; and many friends.

UPDATED SERVICE INFORMATION: There will be a Funeral Mass for Irving at 10am on May 13th, 2023 at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Northford, directly followed by a graveside service at Northford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Northford Company 2 Volunteer Fire Department, which you can mail to: Company 2, P.O. Box 26, Northford, CT 06472.  B.C. Bailey Funeral Home is honored to have been entrusted with Irving’s care and final arrangements.

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