Dr. Joseph K. Nowinski's Obituary
Dr. Joseph Kenneth Nowinski, 80, of Tolland, CT, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Born in Brooklyn, NY, he was the devoted son of the late Joseph and Helen (Jarzabowski) Nowinski.
Joe devoted his life to education and the field of psychology, a profession he deeply loved. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Hofstra University in 1967, followed by a Master of Arts from Syracuse University in 1973. He went on to receive his Ph.D. from the University of Connecticut in 1977 and completed his postdoctoral studies at the State University of New York at Stony Brook from 1977 to 1979. Joe was a mentor in the field of psychology and was an Assistant Professor of Psychology through the Hazeldon Betty Ford Graduate School and UConn. Throughout his distinguished career as a psychologist, Joe was known for his unwavering dedication and compassion toward his clients, leaving a lasting impact on many lives. His influence lives on through his authorship of nearly fifteen published books and facilitation manuals, through which he translated clinical psychology into accessible, practical guidance for people navigating difficult life experiences. He was a key figure in addiction psychology and treatment approaches.
As well as a prolific author, Joe was an avid reader and found great joy in learning and reflection, passions that remained with him throughout his life. Joe had an easy laugh, a kind heart and a deep love of sunsets at Acadia National Park. He will be forever missed.
Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 28 years, Theresa (March) Nowinski; his three children, Maggie Nowinski and her husband Scot Coar, Rebecca Nowinski, and Gregory Nowinski; and his brother, Paul Nowinski. He was predeceased by his brother, Robert Nowinski.
Calling hours are on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., 51 East Main St., Stafford Springs, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 10:00 AM at St. Matthew Church, 111 Tolland Green, Tolland, CT. Burial will follow at St. Bernard Cemetery in Vernon, CT.
In lieu of flowers or memorial donations, the family kindly asks that a tree be planted in Joe’s memory. Or consider making a donation in his memory to the following organizations https://whitebison.org or https://www.hazeldenbettyford.org/ways-to-give.
To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit https://www.introvignefuneralhome.com
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