Leo M. Chupaska

Uncasville – Leo M. Chupaska of Uncasville, Connecticut passed away at his home on September 11, 2025 after a longtime battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. He was born on September 26, 1948 to Peter and Margaret Chupaska both of whom predeceased him.

Leo was lifelong resident of Montville. He attended local elementary schools and was a 1966 graduate of Montville High School. He proudly wore the black and orange on the football and baseball fields. After a brief freshman year at Central Connecticut State College, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. During his enlistment he was stationed at Ellington AFB in Houston, Texas and in Naples, Italy at the Allied Forces Southern Europe Command Base.

While stationed in Italy, Leo married his wife of 56 years, Christina Poniatwoski, at the AF South Base chapel on August 16, 1969. They remained in Italy for two more years returning to the US in 1971. While in Italy, Leo and Chris took advantage of the unique opportunity to travel throughout Europe, visiting many of cultural and historical sites.

Once back in the US, Leo began his college education in earnest at the University of Connecticut. He graduated in 1974 with a degree in accounting and went on to further his education at the University of New Haven where he earned dual Master's Degrees (MBA and MPA). Additionally, during that time Leo studied for and was able to earn his State of Connecticut CPA Certificate.

Leo was a man of many interests. His professional life included five years as a civil servant with the Defense Contract Audit Agency, 18 years as a budget and finance director at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital, and 18 years as finance director and CFO at both the Mohegan Tribe and the Mohegan Sun Casino. He retired in October of 2014.

Throughout those years Leo was an active public servant. He served two terms on the Montville Board of Education and one full term on the Town Council. He was involved in Little League as manager of his daughter's softball team and as an assistant manager of his son's baseball team.

Leo served as treasurer of several civic organizations including the Montville Rotary Club, United Community and Family Services, and Montville Polish American Club.

One of Leo's favorite hobbies was collecting stamps and first day covers. But he was most proud of his baseball card collection which he started as a youngster.

Leo loved following sports both college and professional. At one point he was a season ticket holder to the UConn Huskies football, basketball (men and women) and baseball teams. He was a regular at UConn home games and often followed the team on the road, which included several bowl games, as well as numerous basketball and baseball NCAA tournaments.

The Boston Red Sox and New York Giants were his favorite pro teams. As a boy he recalled listening to Red Sox games on the radio late into the night with his grandfather Steve in the garage so as not to wake other in the house. In the good years and the not-so good years he remained a true fan.

As for music, his playlist would consist of polkas, rock, country, and Broadway musicals, but especially doo-wop. While his vocal cords left something to be desired, the family dogs and cats would sit and listen adoringly at the door as he sang in the shower.

But what describes Leo Chupaska most accurately is that he was outgoing and friendly with all, good-natured, ready to help, diligent at his work, and always ready with a slap on the back and followed by a "good job"! He will be missed by many.

Leo is survived by his wife Chris, son Stephen (Brooklyn, NY); daughter Kathryn (Cromwell, CT), son-in-law Andreas Arnold; his beloved granddaughters Emily and Rebecca Arnold whom he cherished; sister-in-law Marie Morosky; brother-in-law Alan Weir; also his godchild Erin Goehner; and many nieces, nephews and cousins located in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, Arizona, California, and Florida.

He was predeceased by his sisters Barbara Zeppieri of Groton, CT and Ann Marie Weir of Clinton, CT; and his brother Peter X. Morosky.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 17th at the Woyasz & Son Funeral Home, 11 Jerome Rd, Uncasville from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:00 pm at St. John the Evangelist Church, 22 Maple Avenue, Uncasville with a reception following at 2:00 pm at the Montville Polish Club, 85 Maple Avenue, Uncasville.

The family wishes to acknowledge and the thank the entire staff of Hartford Hospital Hospice for their loving and kind attention to Leo's homecare. Special thanks go to Stacey whose professionalism, smile, and pleasant manner were a great comfort to him.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Hospice of Southeaster Connecticut, or to a charity of their choice.