Edmund Kovaleski's Obituary
On Thursday, April 13, 2006, Edmund Kovaleski, of Ashford, CT, formerly of Thomaston, CT, passed on peacefully at his home at the age of 83, surrounded by his wife and son. Edmund was born April 28, 1922 in Thomaston, CT, to the late John and Julia Kovaleski. Edmund enlisted in the U.S. Navy on December 11, 1942. He served on the USS KIDD DD661 and was an original plank owner. He was engaged in seven battles, and was hit by suicide zero, killing 38 men, 11 miles off Japan in the invasion of Okinawa. He received an honorable discharge as Boatswain's mate second class on October 7, 1945. He worked as an iron worker for 38 years, working for locals 15 and 424. He retired in 1984. Edmund enjoyed his 22 year retirement with family and friends, traveling, gardening, and motorcycle riding. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Mary (Petlak) Kovaleski; a daughter, Sharon Babcock and her husband Earl of North Stonington, CT; a son, John P. Kovaleski of Ashford, CT; a grandson, Michael Packard of New London, CT; a sister, Frances Krukar of Goshen, CT; two brothers, John S. Kovaleski of Wolcott, CT, and Raymond Kovaleski of Kissimmee, FL; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Josephine and Sherman Hawksley; a sister-in-law, Jacqueline Petlak; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. A memorial Mass will be held at a later date at St. Philip the Apostle Church, Pompey Hollow Rd., Ashford, CT. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family in St. Thomas Cemetery, Thomaston, CT. There are no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made in Edmund's memory to St. Philip the Apostle Church, 64 Pompey Hollow Rd., Ashford, CT 06278, Ashford Volunteer Fire Dept. and Ambulance, P.O. Box 1, Ashford, CT 06278, or to Hospice of Eastern Connecticut, VNA East, 34 Ledgebrook Drive, Mansfield, CT 06250. Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., 51 East Main St., Stafford Springs, CT, has care of the arrangements. For online condolences, please visit: www.introvignefuneralhome.com
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