Walter Modliszewski Jr.

Walter Modliszewski Jr. Died December 24, 2013 GROTON LONG POINT - Walter Modliszewski Jr. 87, died peacefully at his home in Groton Long Point on December 24, 2013. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jean Healy Modliszewski, his daughter Mary Jean Modliszewski of Manchester, his daughter Dr. Andrea Lundell and her husband Dr. John Lundell of Rockwall, TX, and his son Walter Modliszewski III and his wife Teresa Abate of Tolland. He is survived by his two grandchildren Madeline and John Lundell. He is also survived by his three sisters: Isabella Makowski of Berlin, MD, Helen Cournoyer of Moosup and Clara Pitkin of Mansfield Center. He is predeceased by three brothers; Thaddeus Modliszewski, Mitchell Modliszewski, and Edward Modliszewski; and three sisters Jenny Duszlak, Bertha Chwalek, and Stasia Philbin. Walter was born in Barrington, RI, and his family moved to Thompson, when he was a preschooler. He was the son of Walter Modliszewski, Sr. and Aniela Pietruszka. Walter attended local schools and graduated in 1944 from Tourtellotte High School where he distinguished himself as a star athlete. Throughout his high school years, he played basketball, baseball and soccer. As team captain and high scorer, he led the Tourtellotte basketball team to the State Championship in 1944. He went on to play basketball and baseball at Providence College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. He also earned a Masters degree in Education from the University of Connecticut. Walter played professional baseball for the Maritime League in Nova Scotia before embarking on his teaching career. In 2012 he was inducted into the Tourtellotte High School Athletic Hall of Fame. During the ceremony he was described as "one of the best athletes of his era." Walter first taught Math and Science in Colchester, CT, where he also served as a coach in multiple sports. He then taught in Windsor, first at L.P. Wilson Middle School and then at Sage Park Middle School. During most of his adult life, Walter and his family lived in West Hartford and he served as the Park Supervisor at Fernridge Park during the summer months. He spent the majority of his retirement living in Groton Long Point where he enjoyed all of his numerous passions including fishing, gardening and swimming. He was also a lifelong follower of the Boston Red Sox. Walter will be remembered (and missed) by many for his kind and affable disposition, and he loved to recount amusing stories from throughout his life. His family will greet relatives and friends on Sunday, December 29, from 3 to 5pm at the Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Mystic, CT. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, December 30 at 11:00am at St. Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church, 69 Groton Long Point Road, Groton, CT. Burial will be private for the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Walter's name to the American Heart Association, Wallingford, CT.