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WILTON, Conn. - John B. "Jack" Childs, 77, of Wilton, owner of Capt'n John's Fish Market and Capt'n John's Clambake, died Feb. 19, 2012, at Norwalk Hospital in Connecticut.

Jack was born in Northampton, Mass., and attended the local Catholic schools. He enlisted in the airforce after high school, where he achieved the rank of sergeant. During the Korean War he was assigned to Loring Airforce Base in Maine, where he was an electrical repairman for B-52s. After the airforce, he worked at Kollmorgen in Northampton and later at Perkin Elmer in Norwalk, Conn., and a communications company. He obtained his bachelor's degree from Western New England College in Springfield, Mass.

In 1979 he opened Capt'n John's Fish Market in Norwalk, Conn., and eventually phased out that business when he and his business partner, Edward Tracey, began his very successful catering business, Capt'n John's Clambakes. Three years ago he stepped aside and gave his share of the business to his co-owner.

The youngest of 13 children, Jack was the son of the late Herbert L. and Cecelia (Dragon) Childs of Northampton, and husband of Patricia "Patsy" (Martin) Childs. He leaves behind his loving wife of 42 years, Patsy; a brother, George M. Childs of Haydenville, Mass.; a sister, Ann LaSalle of Amherst, Mass.; and many nieces and nephews and grandnieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by many brothers and sisters.

Arrangements are being made by the Childs Funeral Home. Calling hours will be Friday, Feb. 24, from 6 to 8 p.m., and a service will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Childs Funeral Home, followed by a Christian burial at St. Mary's Cemetery in Florence. A memorial will be held at a later date at the Magner Funeral Home in Norwalk, Conn.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to a charity of one's choice.