Julian W. Wojtusik Jr.

1940 - 2022

Julian "Jigger" William Wojtusik, Jr., age 81, of Newington, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, August 13, 2022. He was the beloved husband of the late Beverly A. (Krenisky) Wojtusik. Born in CT on October 6, 1940, the son of the late Julian and Sophie (Czajkowski) Wojtusik. He was raised in Terryville, CT before becoming a lifelong Newington resident. He graduated from Terryville High School in 1958 and went on to get a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Central Connecticut State College in 1962. While attending CCSC, he played baseball, the game he loved, from 1959-62. He completed his master's thesis/dissertation in physical education from the University of Tennessee in 1964. He started his career working in Louisiana before returning to CT to work at his alma mater. He utilized his master's degree and love of baseball to influence the lives of many students and players throughout the years. He started his coaching career as the assistant baseball coach from 1967-1978 where he was then promoted to head baseball coach from 1978-1985. In 1984, the successes of his career were recognized with his induction into the CCSU Athletic Hall of Fame. One of his proudest accomplishments was shaping the lives of 4, 5, and 6 years olds at CCSU summer camps. Every summer, he poured his heart into providing the ultimate summer experience for these children. Once camp concluded, he loved taking his family to Wildwood, MA where many great memories were created. Of all his accomplishments, one he was very proud of was helping prepare the Special Olympics Volleyball Team for competition one year. In addition, he was an active member of the Newington Mustangs and the Newington Friends of Football. He loved all sports and was an avid animal enthusiast. In his free time, he often could be found "tinkering" in his garage, fixing and creating things for his family and friends. His pride and joy were his family. He leaves behind his loved children, Wendy Bender and her husband Brian of Bristol, Beth Matthews and her husband Jeff of Minnesota, Debbie Hammarlund and her husband John of Plantsville, and Steven Wojtusik and his wife Nicole of Kensington, and his adored 11 grandchildren, Nicole (Bender) Citino and her husband Frank, Grant Matthews, Samantha Bender, Joel Matthews, Rebecca Bender, Meghan Hammarlund, Maxwell Wojtusik, Sloane Matthews, Lauren Bender, Olivia Wojtusik and Ryan Hammarlund. He is survived by his brother, Vincent Wojtusik of Forestville and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother Robert Wojtusik, his brother Philip Wojtusik, his sister Caroline (Wojtusik) Konopka, and his brother Thomas Wojtusik. Julian's beloved wife Beverly passed away in the height of the COVID pandemic. Relatives and friends are invited to come and commemorate both Beverly and Jigger on Tuesday, August 23rd, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the Duksa Family Funeral Homes at Newington Memorial, 20 Bonair Ave. Newington, followed by a service at 1:00 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at www.LLS.org or to the Alzheimer's Association at www.ALZ.org. To share a memory with his family, please visit us at www.duksa.net.