Henry J. Kmietek, 99, of Higganum, formerly of Middletown, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at Middlesex Hospital. Born in Middletown, CT, on July 15, 1923, Henry was the son of the late Louis Kmietek and Mary (Belniak) Kmietek-Koba.
Henry was a proud Navy veteran who served in World War II as a Radioman Gunner on the aircraft carrier USS WASP. He often shared tales of his Navy days, reflecting his deep pride in his service. Prior to retirement, Henry was employed with Middletown Public Schools in the maintenance and audio-visual departments, where he dedicated many years of hard work.
Henry was a talented and skilled wood craftsman, and his handmade treasures continue to be cherished family keepsakes. He was also an avid fan of UCONN Women’s basketball and found his greatest joy in spending time with family.
Henry was predeceased by his first wife, Rose (Sosenko) Kmietek, and his eight brothers: Frank, Stanley, Edward, Joseph, Alexander, Raymond, Louis, and Frederick. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Margaret (Priest) Pytlik Kmietek; his daughter, Deborah Hull and her husband Anthony; his son, Richard Kmietek; and his grandchildren, Jennifer DiMauro and her husband Vito, Jacquelyn (Singarella) Ogibowski and her husband Karol. He also leaves behind his great-grandchildren, Enzo and Anthony DiMauro, Gino Singarella, and Adam and Mason Ogibowski.
Additionally, Henry is survived by his dear sister-in-law, Barbara Lee, and her husband Tim, along with many nieces and nephews. Through his marriage to Margaret, Henry was also dearly loved by her Pytlik children: Bobbie, Donna, Bill, Jodie (Bob), Jo-Ann (Jeff), and Steven. He is also remembered by his step-grandchildren, Melanie (Rawn), Farrah (Kelly), Seth (Lisa), Lukas (Rachel), and Kody; Breanne (Dean), Will, Jamie, Maggie, and several great-grandchildren.
The funeral service was held on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St., Middletown. Burial with military honors followed at the State Veterans’ Cemetery. Family and friends gathered prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m. at Biega Funeral Home. Memorial contributions in Henry’s memory were made to the Haddam Veterans’ Museum, 671 Little City Rd., Higganum, CT 06441.
I am not a veteran. I am a member of the Civil Air Patrol, the United States Air Force Auxiliary. But in 1991, personal loss brought me to a place I never left.
Over two decades later, that loss led me to the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown, Connecticut, where I took on the coordination of Wreaths Across America — which grew into the largest and fastest growing veterans program in the state. I didn’t do it for recognition. I did it for them.
In 2016 I founded the Connecticut Veterans Bulletin. Not because I served, but because I believe those who did deserve to be honored, connected, and kept alive.
Twenty-two veterans die by suicide every day. I knew about that number before it became a hashtag. I knew it personally, long before anyone was talking about it.
This publication exists because that number is unacceptable. Because every veteran in Connecticut deserves to know someone gives a damn.
That someone is me.
Discover more from CONNECTICUT VETERANS BULLETIN
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.