John M. Kowalonek Sr.

John M. Kowalonek Sr.
John Michael Kowalonek, age 97, of Southington, CT and formerly of Stratford, CT, passed away August 2, 2024. He was born in Bridgeport, CT to the late John Peter and Anna Kowalonek.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Helen Kowalonek. He is survived by his devoted children, John and his wife Jie Kowalonek of Clinton, MA and Diane and her husband Nicholas Cianciola of Cheshire, CT; five loving grandchildren Peter, James, Alicia, Elisabeth and Amanda; six cherished great-grandchildren, Logan, Olivia, Gianna, Laurel, Dylan, and Nico. He was predeceased by his siblings Helen Zaleski, Leon Kowalonek, Frank Kowalonek, and Jadwiga (Edna) Kowalonek.
John was an accomplished engineer and educator with BS and MS degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Syracuse and Columbia universities. In his 28 year career at Sikorsky Aircraft, John focused on turbine engine installations, with roles that included Technical Manager - S-76 engines and Designated Engineering Representative (DER) to the FAA, approving helicopter engine installations. In his 34 year role as an educator at Bridgeport Engineering Institute (BEI), John rose to the position of Dean of Engineering, was named a Fellow of the Institute in 1978 and named Outstanding Educator in 1974.
Family and Friends may pay their respects on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at the Cyril F. Mullins Funeral Home, 399 White Plains Rd., Trumbull. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 9:45 a.m. beginning at the Cyril F. Mullins Funeral Home and at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace Church, 497 Second Hill Lane, Stratford, CT for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sikorsky Archives (www.sikorskyarchives.com). Flowers also accepted.
For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.mullinsfh.com.