Dr. Leszek Motowildo

SOUTHINGTON - Dr. Leszek Motowidlo, 65, research scientist and inventor, of Southington, ended his incredible battle with cancer on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2016, at Masonicare in Wallingford. He was the husband of Diane (Dorsey) Motowidlo.

Born on Feb. 5, 1951, in Chambon-Feugerolles, France, he was the son of Gracjan and Jeanine (Knapik) Motowidlo of New Britain. He and his family immigrated to the U.S. in 1955. A much-honored physicist, Leszek began his prodigious journey in applied physics with studies at Central Connecticut State University. He then went on to the University of Connecticut and received his master of science in physics in 1976, and his Ph.D. in metallurgy in 1981 under the supervision of Dr. James Galligan. Thereafter, Leszek joined Varian Associates and served as visiting scientist at MIT. He returned to Connecticut in 1986 to work at Intermagnetics General Corporation as a manager and group leader. A proud Husky, Leszek received the distinguished Alumni Award from the UConn School of Engineering in 1996 for his outstanding contributions to both the science and engineering applications of superconducting materials. His work was well-received nationally and globally; he had presented numerous invited papers at conferences on high-temperature and low-temperature superconductors around the world. But Leszek's most impressive accomplishments shone right here in Connecticut. Until his death, he was owner and president of SupraMagnetics, Inc. in Plantsville, a research and development company he started in 2004. Leszek was also a fierce competitor, swimming at Central Connecticut State University during his collegiate days and participating in several triathlons and road races in his life. He also loved the outdoors and sharing a good glass of Cabernet Sauvignon with family and friends. Leszek would attest, however, his proudest accomplishments were the relationships he built, his family and friends.

In addition to his wife and parents, he leaves behind his children, Adam Motowidlo, of Hartford and Cara Motowidlo, of New York City, N.Y.; a sister, Danielle Motowidlo, of Torrington; and a sister-in-law, Susan Dorsey, of Plantsville. He was predeceased by a brother-in-law, John Dorsey, Jr. He was also much beloved by his niece and nephew, Jocelyn (Morante) LaRocca and Daniel Morante; along with his brother-in-law, Charles Morante. Finally, he leaves behind his treasured beagle and littlest love, Shyatsu.

His funeral will be held on Monday, Sept. 26, at 10:15 a.m. from the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St., Southington to Mary Our Queen Church, 248 Savage St., Plantsville. Burial will be at South End Cemetery. Calling hours will be Sunday, Sept. 25, from 4 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or the ASPCA www.aspca.org/donate. For online condolences and directions, please visit

www.dellavecchiafh.com