Karl Then Obituary

Name: Calling hours for Karl Then
Start: 2020-01-04T17:00:00.000Z
End: 2020-01-04T20:00:00.000Z
Location: John F. Tierney Funeral Home, Inc.

Karl Then, 74, of Columbia, formerly of Manchester, passed away unexpectedly Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, at his home by the lake he loved so much.

Born and raised in Manchester, he was the son of the late Joseph and Mary (Kozaczka) Then. At Manchester High School he was a standout athlete and excelled in both football and swimming. He went on to become a lineman with the phone company until he finished college, at which point he moved to management. At 50, he happily retired from SNET after 32 years of service, a feat he was most proud of seeing as he would jokingly say he "did his best to get himself thrown out of that place."

As he aged he slowed up a bit, although he was still a self-proclaimed "fine-tuned machine, fashion plate, and sex symbol." Gone were the raucous parties, bottles of Wild Turkey, and even the little red cottage which was turned into a year-round home that he moved into 2011.

He grew to enjoy fishing , boating, and later on, his grandkids, car shows in the Corvette, Hershey kisses, and buzzing people around on his Dodge Viper red golf cart. He was able to be persuaded into the occasional sip of Captain Morgan seeing as how he "didn't want to forget how it tasted." He was also well known for his quick wit, his one-liners, his jokes, and telling people the truth, which sometimes involved his lack of a filter. He would tell hilarious albeit often repeated stories (which, if you knew him well, probably involved you or were about you).

He truly loved Columbia Lake and was active with the lake management committee in town. He would've given you the shirt off his back even if it was his favorite one from the '70s.

He is survived by his children, James Then and his wife, Sheila, of Manchester and Christopher Then and his wife, Leigha, of Coventry; his stepdaughter, Teri Lupacchino and her husband, Marc, also of Coventry; his grandchildren, Riley Then and Jordan Stratton, Ryan and Sophia Then, and Nicole May and Sarah Caldwell. Karl is also survived by his sister, Susan Barone and her husband, Chuck, of Pennsylvania, as well as other relatives, many close friends, and that one plant in the kitchen.

He was one of a kind.

In lieu of flowers, please tell someone a funny story about him (they require less watering and Lord knows you've all got one).

Family and friends may call at the John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 West Center St., Manchester on Saturday, Jan. 4, from noon to 3 p.m. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.

For online condolences, please visit

www.tierneyfuneralhome.com

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

Published by Journal Inquirer from Dec. 31, 2019 to Jan. 4, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Karl Then

9 Entries

Doug Michele

January 8, 2020

I had the pleasure of working with Karl these past few years on bringing a Car Show to Columbia. His name was given to us when we wanted to get a car guy who lived in town involved with the idea. I knew at the first meeting he was the guy. Not only was he an avid car guy with a great collection he was a great all around guy. I am blessed to have known him these past 4 years and you will be greatly missed! This year won't be the same without you buddy!! God bless your family.

Chuck Rubacha

January 6, 2020

Karl and I have been friends, for the best part of sixty years. We knew each other in high school, and even though we hung around with different groups, we always had a mutual respect for each other. Karl was the big sports jock, and I was the person that no one knew, but we got along fine. Yes there's many memories of party's at the lake house, but I remember us taking our first summer cruise on the uss Purdy for the Navy. They shipped us to Fall River/ New Bedford to meet the ship. First day at liberty call, they instructed us to stay within ten miles of the base. Not us, we decided to hitchike back to Manchester to get civilian clothes, and Karls car. The trip involved many differnt rides, and a stop at a Fire House to make a sign for our destination. When we arrived home, Karls Mom and Dad we already asleep. Karls dad say, what are you doing home? He said we came to get my car. His dad says, I have an appointment to have the oil changed tomorrow, Karls answer was , cancel it! We filled the trunk with civilian clothes, and beer, and drove back, in time for muster the next morning. But every night we went out in civilian clothes to party, the locals were much friendler to us, than guys in uniform. The stories go on, but there isn't enough space here.
I'll mis you buddy, you were a faithful long time friend. Maybe someday, we will meet again, in another place.

Jerry Murphy

January 5, 2020

There are many Columbia Lake party stories. Here's a few I recall:
1. The Fireworks Displace: We were shooting fireworks off from the end of the dock when behind us a grocery bag full of unspent pyrotechnic was ignited by errant bottle rocket. The lake suddenly became a safe haven for those of us that were trapped between the end of the dock and land.
2.The Contest: My spouse whose name will remain anonymous was coerced into drinking a shot of beer every minute for 30 minutes. The idea was that she would not be able to walk after the allotted time. She won the antagonist lost $100.00. She walked away the victor.
3. The Bees: Everybody knows that bees need sunlight in order to fly. Well white faced hornet invaded our space in a tree in grassy area down by the dock. In order to rid ourselves of these invaders we launch a nighttime raid on the bees domicile. With lopers, flashlights and a large bag in hand to capture our foe we went to work to eliminate our adversary. What we hadn't figured was that the bees would be attracted to the light of our flashlights. The rest is history.
Thanks for the memories Karl. May You Rest in Peace dancing with angels.

Riley Jane

January 2, 2020

I love you Poppi

January 1, 2020

Karl was our parent's really funny friend, and my dad didn't like that I thought Karl was funnier than he was. Chris and Jimmy, so sorry for your loss. I have very fond memories as a little kid being at parties on the lake. Much love to you all. I know my mom and dad are incredibly bummed out (understatement) to lose this guy. The world lost a little laughter. Thinking of you and your family. xo -Jen Sirianni Ackerman

Trisha and Todd

December 31, 2019

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Sounds like you have alot of fun memories to help you thru the tough times. He will show you a sign he is beside you, when you need him the most. Love Auntie Trisha and Uncle Todd.

December 31, 2019

My condolences to Karl's family.We sure had a lot of fun together. Tom Sheridan

Ed McManus

December 31, 2019

Farewell cousin. Truly a life well lived and enjoyed every minute. I'm going to miss your hospitality, emails and phone calls. I'm confident you'll have them smiling at your new home.

Tom Massaro

December 31, 2019

Karl was one of the good guys! He would do anything for you and was friendly with everyone. Karl and I met while playing midget league football at Charter Oak field. From there our friendship was cemented! We also worked at the phone company at the same time.The last time we saw each other was at the car show in Manchester. His smile was infectious.I will always have good memories of him and will miss him forever.Rest in Piece Karl!

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