Obituary of Joseph J. Szarkowicz

Joseph J. Szarkowicz, Sr., 91, formerly of Mason Hill Rd., Dayville, CT passed away peacefully, Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at the Autumn Lake Facility in New Britain, CT. He was born December 7, 1924 in Killingly, CT son of the late Frank and Magdalena (Stojda) Szarkowicz. Joseph was a 1943 graduate of Killingly High School and enlisted in the US Army after graduation. Joseph was assigned as a Medic with ‘L’ Company of the 63 infantry division serving in France and Germany. During action on January 3, 1945 in Gros-Réderching, France, though injured himself, with disregard for his own safety crawled foxhole to foxhole under heavy fire treating the wounded. For this he was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart. Joseph was extremely proud of his service to his country. Upon his discharge in 1946 Joseph returned to Dayville and married Theresa (Lada) Szarkowicz, who predeceased him June 23, 2012 after 64 years of marriage. Joseph was a lifelong resident of Killingly, CT working for numerous manufacturing firms while also running the family dairy farm with his brother Raymond. Joseph loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing, was an avid reader, a fan of the Red Sox and Patriots. Joseph loved animals, never without a dog and never left his role as a medic, whenever anyone was hurt the response was “go find Joe”. Joseph was particularly proud of his children and grandchildren and their accomplishments. He will be missed by his children; Joseph Szarkowicz, Jr. and his wife Cheryl of Brooklyn, his twin daughters Joanne Laflamme of Bristol and Jackie Nair of West Hartford, his grandchildren Alex Szarkowicz, Robyne Joslyn and her husband Steve and Christopher Laflamme, his great grandchildren Grady and Kinley Joslyn and Jacob Laflamme. He also leaves many nieces and nephews. Joseph was predeceased by his brothers Frank, John, Stephen, Raymond and his sisters Frances Luczak, Victoria Samborski, Anne Rzeznikiewicz and Mary Chrabaszcz and his son in law Robert Nair. The family wishes to thank the staff at Autumn Lake Stations 5 North and South for their exceptional care especially in his last days. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local VFW in his memory. Calling Hours will be Thursday, May 19, 2016 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM and Friday morning from 8:45 to 9:45 AM at the Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds Street, Danielson. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, May 20, 2016 at 10:30 AM in St. Joseph Church, 12 Main Street, North Grosvenordale, CT. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Danielson, CT. Share a memory at www.gagnonandcostellofh.com