Vincent Christopher Konn

Vincent Christopher Konn, a devoted husband, father, proud grandfather, and respected avionics engineer, passed away peacefully on June 11, at Bridgeport Hospital, with his loving daughter, Shari, granddaughters, Grace and Olivia, and Grace’s boyfriend, by his side. Vince, known by many as Vinny, Vin, and grandpa, dedicated over five decades of his life to Sikorsky Aircraft, working 44 years as a full-time employee—before returning for another six years after retirement as a “yellow badge.” His 50 years of service stand as a testament to his unwavering loyalty, strong work ethic, and deep passion for aviation. Among his many accomplishments during his years at Sikorsky, he was especially proud of his contributions to the Black Hawk and Presidential helicopters. Vince was a 1959 graduate of Marymount High School in Wilkes-Barre, PA, attending many of their reunions over the last 60 years. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University in 1964 and later went on to complete his Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from New York University in 1969. Vince enjoyed sharing his expertise in engineering by teaching evening classes for many years at Bridgeport Engineering Institute, where he inspired and mentored future engineers. He enjoyed many things in his life, like time with cousin Sylvia and Eddie Dzema playing hours of pinochle, road trips to Virginia Beach, watching sports on TV along with old cowboy or civil war movies, and following the UCONN basketball teams and being glued to the TV during March Madness. His best memories were watching his granddaughters grow up. The annual family trips to Disney World, vacations to Sesame Place, watching them swim in the pool, pizza dinners at Paradise Pizza, time spent volunteering at Second Hill Lane School and attending his granddaughters athletic events at Bunnell High School were some of his most cherished memories. He also could be found listening and singing along to 50’s music and laughing that loud belly laugh while watching All in the Family. Vince was predeceased by his loving wife of over 50 years, Josephine Konn (Piazza), his parents, Vincent and Florence Konn; his brother, Raymond Konn; his uncles Raymond “Bill” Cherpak, Henry and Bernard Cherpak, aunts Caroline and Lenore Cherpak, Regina Falchek (Cherpak), Helen Kotopka (Cherpak) sister-in law, Patricia Piazza (Joseph) and nephew Mathew Piazza. He is survived by his beloved daughter, Shari, and his cherished granddaughters, Grace (Ryan) and Olivia (Jesse). He also leaves behind his favorite cousin, Angela Kishbaugh (Alan), their sons Ryan and Jonan, brother-in-law Joseph Piazza, niece Gina Piazza, and his best friend Beatrice Douglas (Lisa) who he spent every Wednesday morning laughing and chatting with over his favorite, made with love breakfast of turkey bacon, sunny side up eggs, and home fries. He had a special love for Shari’s half brothers, Ewald (Lisy), Joey (Iris) and Ricky (Alveda) Sosa, who fondly called him Pops. Last but not least, he also leaves behind his fur baby Belle. Vince will be remembered for his humor, generosity, kind heart, strength, amazing organizational skills, his endless lists, attention to detail and his impeccable memory. Most of all he will be remembered for his deep love and protection for his family. His legacy of dedication and warmth will continue to live on in the lives of everyone he touched. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Wednesday, June 18, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Pistey Funeral Home, 2611 Main Street, Stratford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Vince’s name to Our Lady of Grace Church in Stratford, CT. To leave condolences online, please visit www.pisteyfuneralhome.com.