William C. Koneazny

NEW MARLBORO -- William C. Koneazny, 77, of Campbell Falls Road and Hoopo Road, Picayune, Miss., died Wednesday at his home in New Marlboro after a short illness.

Born in Hartford, Conn., on Sept. 28, 1926, son of John and Chrystene Barhoff Koneazny, he was a 1944 graduate of Weaver High School and attended King's Point Academy.

A veteran of World War II, he served in the Merchant Marine. He also was an Army veteran of the Korean War, entertaining the troops with radio shows and performances from 1951 to 1953 while serving with the 503rd MP Battalion.

A chef, Mr. Koneazny founded Candlelight Catering in the early 1960s, which he ran for 20 years. He also owned the Pearly Gates Saloon in Sheffield from 1973 to 1975. Beginning in 1947, he hosted a weekly radio program for several years out of Torrington, Conn., known as the "Bill Wicky Hour."

He was a restaurant reviewer for the Connecticut Western News-paper and the Lakeville Journal for several years.

In 1945, he founded Peerless Tree Expert Co., receiving one of the earliest arbor licenses in Connecticut. He transferred the business to his son in 1984.

He wrote four books, two cookbooks and two on the Catholic faith, "Rendezvous with the Saints" and "Truth: The Sign of Contradiction." He founded "Catholic Rendezvous" seminars, which he gave every year.

He enjoyed hunting and was a founder and charter member of the Canaan Valley Sporting Club.

His and his wife, the former Eloise Cecchinato, were married at St. Joseph's Church in Canaan, Conn., on Oct. 2, 1954.

Besides his wife, he leaves three daughters, Jean K. Pollock of New Marlboro, Joan K. Lempka of Millbrook, N.Y., and Jenifer K. Clarke of Lakeville, Conn.; a son, James G. Koneazny of New Marlboro; two brothers, Col. Jack Koneazny of Sheffield and Richard Koneazny of Canaan, Conn.; 23 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Another son, Joseph C. Koneazny, predeceased him.

FUNERAL NOTICE -- A Tridentine (Latin) Requiem Mass for William C. Koneazny, who died June 16, 2004, will be offered at the former St. Patrick's Chapel in Falls Village, Conn., on Wednesday, June 23, at 10. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Canaan. Calling hours will be Monday and Tuesday, June 21 and 22, from 4 to 7, at FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations and Mass requests be made through Our Lady of Sorrows Chapel, 378 Spring St., Orange, CT 06477, or through the funeral home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. Remembrances, memories and reflections may be sent to the family through www.finnertyandstevens.com.