John "Jay" Lengyel

Naugatuck-John "Jay" Lengyel, 55,  passed away peacefully at home on May 30, 2026, surrounded by his loving family after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Born on December 14, 1970, Jay was the beloved son of the late John and Dolly (Shaker) Lengyel. A lifelong resident of the Naugatuck area, Jay dedicated more than 35 years of his life to serving others as an Emergency Medical Technician. Throughout his distinguished career, he worked for several emergency medical services organizations, most notably American Medical Response and Naugatuck Ambulance, serving the Greater Waterbury area and Naugatuck Valley. He was a part of the FEMA disaster response team, serving on many disaster deployments.  He was also a 9/11 responder at the World Trade Center site. Jay was known for his compassion, professionalism, quick wit, and unwavering commitment to helping those in need. In addition to his work in the field, he served as a Field Training Officer, helping train and mentor countless EMTs throughout his career. Many of those he trained went on to become skilled providers themselves, carrying forward the knowledge, confidence, and dedication that Jay instilled in them. His impact extended far beyond the patients he treated, reaching generations of emergency medical professionals.

Above all else, Jay was devoted to his family. He leaves behind his daughter, Mickayla Nelson, and her husband, Sawyer, and his beloved grandchildren, Mason and Hayden, who brought immense joy to his life. He is also survived by his sons, Thomas Lengyel and Stephen Lengyel. Jay is further survived by his sisters, Stephanie Lengyel and Kimberly Lengyel; his nephews, Michael Jackman and Matthew Jackman; and his nieces, Brianna Couch and Kayla Couch, along with many extended family members, friends, former coworkers, students, and colleagues who will miss him dearly.

Jay will be remembered for his strength, courage, generosity, sense of humor, and dedication to caring for others. Even throughout his battle with cancer, he continued to face each challenge with determination, dignity, and resilience. Jay gave his whole heart to everything he did. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched during his years of service, the EMTs he trained, and the family he loved so deeply.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the physicians, nurses, and staff of the Harold Leever Cancer Center and Waterbury Hospital/UConn Health, whose compassionate care and support meant so much throughout Jay's journey. They would also like to thank his family at American Medical Response and Naugatuck Ambulance, as well as the countless friends, coworkers, and fellow first responders who stood by Jay and his loved ones with unwavering support, encouragement, and kindness during this difficult time.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at  the Naugatuck Valley Memorial/Fitzgerald Zembruski Funeral Home, 240 North Main Street, in Naugatuck.   Family and friends are invited to attend and celebrate Jay's life, share memories, and honor his remarkable service to his community.  To send an on line condolence or share a memory, please visit www.naugatuckvalleymemorial.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Harold Leever Cancer Center in Jay's memory to support cancer patients and their families.

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