Eugene “Gene” J. Kwalek, age 82, entered into eternal rest on February 5, 2021 at Health Park Hospital in Fort Myers Florida. For 52 years, he was the loving and devoted husband of Lillian “Patty” Kwalek who recently passed away on November 21, 2020.
Gene was born in Dixon City, Pennsylvania on November 27, 1938, son of the late Frank and Irene Wisniewski Kwalek. He was raised in Fairfield and graduated from Ludlow High School. Gene had a career as an engineer at Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford for over 40 years, where he supervised the development and testing of Helicopter, Military and Civilian Electronic Flight Controls until his retirement. For 34 years Gene was a player, and later manager, for the Sikorsky Men’s Industrial Softball Team. As manager, he led the team to 11 National Championships and compiled an overall record of 105 – 15.
For his accomplishments, Gene was inducted into the Connecticut USA Softball Hall of Fame in 2002, and in 2003 was then inducted into the National A.S.A. Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City, OK. As a man of deep integrity, loyalty and honesty, Gene was a proud veteran who honorably served in the US Marine Corp during the Vietnam era. He also served as a Past Commander of the Catholic War Veterans, Post 1466, in Bridgeport, CT.
Gene loved being around family and friends. He never missed an event, big or small, and held family traditions and holidays very dear. When he moved to Bonita Springs, FL during his retirement, Gene continued to be active and made many friends that became like family. Gene and Patty truly enjoyed living in their Lighthouse Bay community, where he served as treasurer of its association and ran their travel bocce league.
Gene (Dad/Pop/Papa) will be deeply missed and leaves to cherish his memory, eldest son, Robert E. Kwalek (Donna) of Shelton, a loving daughter, Tracy J. Regan (Christopher) of North Easton, MA, younger son, James P. Kwalek (Shelley) of Northford, sisters, Lorraine Sheehan (Jack) of Hamden and Lenore Nespoli (Louis) of Seymour, brother, Ronald Kwalek (Lynne) of Shelton, grandchildren, Brittany Palladino (Nick), Tyler Kwalek, Matthew Regan, Thomas Regan, Elyssa Barreto, Rachel Kwalek, Jaimee Kwalek and Mia Kwalek, great granddaughter, Ava Palladino and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother Raymond Kwalek.
A contactless walk-through visitation for friends and family will take place on Friday February 19, 2021 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the chapel of the SPINELLI-RICCIUTI/BEDNAR-OSIECKI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia. Visitors are asked to wear masks and social distance as they walk through to pay their respects and exit without lingering to ensure all guests can visit. On Saturday February 20, 2021, all are welcome to attend his Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 (meeting directly) at Holy Rosary Church in Ansonia. Interment with United States Marine Corp. honors will immediately follow at Mount Saint Peter’s Cemetery in Derby. To sign Gene’s guestbook or share a memory, please visit http://www.spinelliricciutifh.com
