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Charles Kaczor Obituary

Waterford - Charles S. Kaczor, 89, of Waterford, passed away on Sept. 21, 2013, at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital with his family by his side.

He was born on Jan. 8, 1924, in Yonkers, N.Y., to the late Joseph and Laura (Pekalsky) Kaczor.

He was married to his loving wife, Mary S. (Oliver) Kaczor of Waterford, and they celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on Sept. 11, 2013.

Major Kaczor retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1967, and then "Mr. Kaczor" later retired as an eighth grade American history teacher from the Leonard J. Tyl Middle School in Oakdale in 1993.

After graduating from Saunders High School in Yonkers, N.Y., in 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps. After completing Aerial Radio Operations School in 1943, he was selected for pilot training and was commissioned as a second lieutenant assigned to bomber training for the B-26 Martin Marauder. Upon completion of his bomber training, he was assigned to the 344th Bomb Group of the 9th Air Force in Europe, where he completed 20 combat missions over Germany.

Returning to the USA after World War II, he entered St. Anselm College in Manchester, N.H., graduating with the class of 1950 and then entered Northeastern University Law School in Boston. While a law student, he was also an active reserve pilot in the 89th Troop Carrier Wing, Hanscom Field, Mass., from which he was recalled to active duty for the Korean War. The war ended one week before his deployment, and he was reassigned to the 305th Bomb Wing of the Strategic Air Command in Plattsburgh, N.Y., as a pilot of the B-47 Stratojet.

With the arrival of the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the Atlas F missile wing was established, and Charlie became commander of Missile Site 6 in Ausable, N.Y., during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. When these missiles were phased out, he completed his USAF career as a chief administrative officer at Bunker Hill AFB in Peru, Ind., in 1967. He was awarded the United States Armed Forces Air Medal twice in his career.

After completing his master's degree program at the University of Connecticut, "Mr. Kaczor" then began his second career as a teacher in the Montville school system. During his tenure, he was named Montville Teacher of the Year in 1990. He also established and coached the junior high cross country team with an exemplary record, including several undefeated seasons.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; his 96 year old sister, Wanda Brelesky of Waterford; his three sons by a previous marriage, Mark A. Kaczor and his wife, Mary, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Brian C. Kaczor and his wife, Kathy, of Durham, Maine, Dennis J. Kaczor and his wife, Champika, of Monticello, Ill.; two grandchildren, Arjun and Maya Kaczor of Monticello; and several nieces and nephews. Also surviving are his wife Mary's four daughters, Terry Podoloff, Tina Huard, Ellen Huard, and Jamie Sabilia.

Family and friends may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. today, Sept. 23, at the Montville Funeral Home of Church and Allen, 63 Norwich New London Turnpike. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 p.m. on Tuesday at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Waterford. Interment will follow at St. Mary Cemetery, New London.

Rather than flowers, the family would prefer that donations be made in Charles' honor to the Kaczor-Piper Scholarship Fund, c/o Montville Public Schools, 800 Old Colchester Road, Oakdale, CT 06370, because he cared for his students even more than for himself.

Please visit www.montvillefuneralhome.com to leave an online condolence for the Kaczor family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Day on Sep. 23, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Kaczor

Not sure what to say?





Leslie Namey-Scott

September 30, 2013

Dear Mary, Lillian, Mike and I are so very sorry for your loss. We so enjoyed all the times we spent with you and Charlie. Our deepest sympathies to your entire family.

Peter Podoloff

September 30, 2013

I have known Charlie for the better part of 29 years, he is as close to a Father-In-Law as a man can be an not actually be a Father-In-Law. On many family get togethers my Father Doran Pololoff an Charlie would sit together and tell their stories about WWII. My Day flew in the B24's Charlie flew the B-26's. As they sat together swapping their adventures they turned in 20 year old men. Their faces lit up and as I watched from a distance a tear came to my eyes. Charlie & my Dad grew up in a different time, their sense of duty & honor is almost lost to the present generation. Charlie's devotion to his wife Mary was a thing of rare beauty, he set a fine example as to how a man should treat a woman and what a marriage is supposed to be.
Charlie made me a better person and I will always hold him dear to my heart

Peter Podoloff

September 30, 2013

I have known Charlie for the better part of 29 years, he is as close to a Father-In-Law as a man can be an not actually be a Father-In-Law. On many family get togethers my Father Doran Pololoff an Charlie would sit together and tell their stories about WWII. My Day flew in the B24's Charlie flew the B-26's. As they sat together swapping their adventures they turned into 20 year old men again. Their faces lit up and as I watched from a distance a tear came to my eyes. Charlie & my Dad grew up in a different time, their sense of duty & honor is almost lost to the present generation. Charlie's devotion to his wife Mary was a thing of rare beauty, he set a fine example as to how a man should treat a woman and what a marriage is supposed to be.
Charlie made me a better person and I will always hold him dear to my heart


Pete Podoloff

September 29, 2013

Mr. Kaczor was a great teacher. I had him for social studies in 7th grade. He had high standards and was always ready to help you out. He was a big influence in my life, encouraging me to join the military and make it a career, which I did. I knew he served but did not know to what extent until now. Thank you for your service to our country and your students.

Vince Sava, MHS Class of 1976

Dan Whelan

September 27, 2013

My condolences to Mr. Kaczor's family. I remember his class at Murphy JHS well...though I'd forgotten about cross country coaching. I never knew about his service, I don't recall him ever speaking of it...but it explains the discipline he brought to his classroom and to the cross country course. Thanks to Mr. Kazor for his service to our country and to the hundreds of Montville kids he taught.

Jean Blackstone Olsen

September 25, 2013

Mr. Kaczor was our 7th grade teacher at the High School when the 7th and 8th grade were on double sessions. Not only was he memorable in the classroom, he was a fixture in the 7th and 8th grade lunchroom, where he sold milk with a change belt around his waist. Priceless!! He never spoke directly about his service to our country until I met him again many year later, after he had retired (but was still substituting at the Middle School). My condolence to his family.

September 25, 2013

Thank you for all you taught me Mr. Kaczor. Still remember the bullhorn during cross country.

Sandy Blackstone-Antonellis

September 25, 2013

My deepest Sympathy to the Kaczor fami.y at this time. Mr Kaczor was my cross country coach at Charles E Murphy Jr High. I was the last of the Blackstone Clan as he would say to come along. he will be missed.

Michele Lemieux

September 25, 2013

I never had Mr. Kaczor as a teacher, but I will always remember Mr. Villano and Mr. Kaczor poking fun at us during lunch at Murphy. RIP. Thoughts and prayers to your family at this time.

Ron Bannister

September 24, 2013

Mr. Kaczor was one my teachers early on @ Oakdale Elementary. He also taught my brother and sister as well. I have always remembered him as an excellent educator with a passion for history. I too have always been a history buff as early as grade school. I was unaware of his history and as a veteran salute him for his service. He made a difference in our lives as an educator and he will be sorely missed. Godspeed old friend. May you have fair winds and following seas on your new journey.

Jon Lane

September 24, 2013

Wow, reading these messages brings back strong memories of my life as a 7th grade student of Mr. Kaczor's when it was held in the old school at St. Johns in mid-70s. He was a great teacher, one of our basketball coaches, and I'm sure we tested him on our field trip to Gettysburg. He was very motivating to me to always do my best. My condolences to the family, but you should be very proud of the positive impact he had on so many lives.

Lynn F

September 24, 2013

Mr. Kaczor's class and cross country are two of my strongest memories from jr. high. y thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Kevin B

September 24, 2013

To Dennis and Champy, My condolences.

Jessica Chacho

September 24, 2013

He was an a great teacher... He will be missed by many

Jim Knighton

September 24, 2013

In loving memory. Lots of fun memories with you. Thank you for pushing me during Cross Country in Junior High at Murphy. You were a special educator in all aspects. You will be missed.

Stacy Sheehan

September 24, 2013

Mr Kaczor was such a great teacher, he told us some great stories of survival during the depression and really taught me that there is
Always so much happening in the world that upto that point I had no idea about. My prayers to his family.

Maggie B

September 24, 2013

Sending warmest thoughts and prayers to you all for comfort and peace. What an accomplished man and what a legacy he has left.

Ellen Jason Matthew Nickolas Huard-Palermo

September 24, 2013

I loving memory

Kathy C

September 23, 2013

Mr. Kaczor was an awesome substitute teacher at Tyl Middle School. He was kind, caring, funny, and told a lot of great stories. His family was from Poland (my famiAndes from Poland) and told me about his Polish family and trips to Poland. His family came from Mielec, Poland which is near my family's hometown.He was a patient of mine at Greentree Manor and it was an honor to care for "Charlie" (which is what he wanted me to call him) during his final days. Charlie made me smile and told me one final story about his trip to Poland. Charlie touched many lives. To the Kaczor family, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Kevin Ryan

September 23, 2013

To the Kaczor Family,
My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Mr. Kaczor made a remarkable contribution to the educaton of the children of Montville. His service to the community will not be forgotten.
With sympathy
Kevin Ryan

Pete DeAngelis

September 23, 2013

One of the best teacher/coaches I had. Thanks or the memories. Murphy Jr. High class of '85-undefeated Cross Country Team.

Melanie B

September 23, 2013

Rest in peace mr.kaczor. many childhood memories. My thoughts are with the family.

Tina Phillips

September 23, 2013

Mr Kaczor coached me in cross country a long long time ago. I regret I knew about his distinguished military career but as a retired Navy sailor I stand here in Jacksonville Florida and salute him. He was an inspiration before I knew what he did for our country. I still can recite the preamble and am pretty pride of that. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. Wish I was closer so I could pay my respects. RIP, Mr. Kaczor....you really set the stage for so many of us. Signed a former student. Tina (Jones) Phillips (member of the first graduating class from Murphy Junior High)

Bill Whelan

September 23, 2013

Dennis, Mark, & Brian,
I'm sorry to hear about your Dad. Your entire family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Bill Whelan

September 23, 2013

I too was a student of Mr. K. He never talked about his distiquished career that I can recall. He was a good teacher and I am glad that I had him at an early stage of my education.

Thanks, and RIP.

Gary Finnigan

Brian Bradshaw

September 23, 2013

Mr. Kaczor was a great teacher. I will never forget him. He made a difference in my life. His legacy will live on in all the lives he touched through his gift of teaching.

Margaret Palkovich

September 23, 2013

Charlie--or Stosch as he will always be to me--was the closest thing I had to a brother. Our mothers were sisters and growing up and into adulthood he spent numerous summers visiting or working in my parents store in the Catskills. He was a big brother, mentor,chauffeur then driving instructor, prank player, and friend. Although miles separated us for most of our adult lives he never lost touch and was always there for you. He always had and always will have a special place in my heart. Love , prayers and sympathy to all the family.

Melissa Dennis

September 23, 2013

Mr. Kaczor was one of my favorite teachers. I will always remember his cross country practices, motivating us from his car. RIP, Mr. Kaczor

September 23, 2013

RIP Mr. K. You were a great teacher! You taught me to love history!

Robin Autencio-Marquand

September 23, 2013

Mr Kaczor was a great teacher! One of those teachers you always remember!

September 23, 2013

Mark and family
Sorry to hear of your Dads passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Karen Brouwer

TONJA HILLYER

September 23, 2013

mr. kaczor was a great man and teacher i stilll talk about our trip to gettysburg \with my kids and that was in 85. my condolence to his family.

Lisa Kasper

September 23, 2013

In my thoughts and prayers. So sorry for your loss. He was my teacher in 8th grade at Tyl Middle School 1993 and has a special place in my heart. Wonderful teacher, unforgettable man. Rest in peace Mr. Kaczor.

Mrs. Frances Speziani

September 23, 2013

I offer my heartfelt sympathy to your family, Charles father, Joe, was my mother, Julia, brother. I am her daughter, Frances.
Sorry that I never knew about Charles and his family, I only know Wanda.
Sort of strange, Charles obviously was a wonderful person to know.
He would be my first cousin.
Sincerely, Frances

Penny Maistros

September 23, 2013

I was very sorry to hear of the passing of Charlie. i taught with him for many years - he was a vey dedicated teacher and a good friend. May his memory be eternal.

Wendy Venditto

September 23, 2013

Dear Mary, So sorry to hear of your husband Charlie's passing. Wanted you to know my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Linda Whipple

September 23, 2013

My thoughts are with Kaczor and Palermo families.

September 23, 2013

Our hearts and prayers are with you! So sorry to hear of the passing of Charlie! Bob and Kathy Perez

Richard Oden

September 23, 2013

RIP Charlie. My condolences to Mary.

Mark Wisniewski

September 23, 2013

Mr Kaczor was my 7th grade Social Studies teacher. It took me many years
after that class to appreciate him as the fine teacher he was.Better late than never I must say.

Bob Janovic

September 23, 2013

Sorry to hear of Charlie's passing. Our prayers are with you and the family. Sue and Bob Janovic

Ellen Huard

September 22, 2013

Charlie was an amazing influence in my 3 sons lives. Jason, Matthew and Nickolas consider Charlie there grandfather and basically he was. When the boys did well in school it was Charlie who the first person they wanted to tell. Charlie was at their baseball games, football games, wrestling tournaments and Nick's lacrosse games. He was present at all their graduations. Charlie will forever hold a special place in my heart for the presence he had in my boys lives. Charlie will be sadly missed by all of us, but we have so many memories that bring us laughter and that is a gift we will carry with us for the rest of our lives.

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