John S. Backer

John Scott Backer, 84, of Manchester, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 20, 2025.

Born on September 20, 1941, in Selma, California, John was the son of the late Francis Henry “Mike” Backer and Elizabeth Alice Scott. He was a graduate of California State University, Fresno, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics.

John met his future wife, Sharon (Mincy) Backer, on a blind date arranged by friends. They were married in 1963 and together raised two children, Scott and Janet. In 1972, the family relocated to Vernon, Connecticut, following John’s career with Aetna Insurance. They later settled in Manchester, where John continued his professional career with Aetna, and for a time at Travelers Insurance, until ultimately founding his own consulting firm, Mc B Associates.

Deeply committed to his community, John served as a past president of the Manchester Lions Club and was actively involved with Talcottville Congregational Church. He was especially known for his gifted hands—an accomplished woodworker and a true jack-of-all-trades, always willing and able to fix just about anything.

John is survived by his devoted wife, Sharon Backer; his children, Scott Backer and his wife Jill Backer of Shelby Township in Michigan and Janet Ewald and her husband Tom of Ellington, Connecticut; his beloved grandchildren, Emily and Kyle Backer, and Jake and Natalie Ewald; as well as numerous extended family members and dear friends.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, December 26, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home, 400 Main Street, Manchester, CT 06040. A funeral service will take place on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Talcottville Congregational Church, 10 Elm Hill Road, Vernon, CT 06066.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Manchester Lions Club, P.O. Box 614, Manchester, CT 06045-0614.