Christopher L. "Chris" Katulka

Christopher "Chris" Katulka 1981 ~ 2025 We are deeply sad to say that our beloved Christopher "Chris" Katulka passed from this life on August 13 at the age of 43 in his home. Through his life, he had many joys and accomplishments as well as struggles. He was extremely talented in many different ways. Though the clarinet didn't sound so great at first (more like a sick cow), he persevered and played it well through Fermi High School (Class of 2000), Central Connecticut State University and University of New Haven Bands. His wonderful singing voice carried throughout his life. He began in St. Patrick Church Children's Choir and in the Adult Choir. He was hesitant to sing solo but pleased his mom immensely when she could hear his voice during a few solos at church. One Christmas, he sang with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. In high school, he was part of the choral group of over 200 known as Voices Incorporated and also sang with the school A Cappella group, Common Ground. A few years ago, he was in the chorus of a local production of Mamma Mia. He had a lot of fun with that. Chris's interests were not confined to the arts. Though academics were sometimes hard through his school years, he overcame that as he matured and was able to excel in many areas, leading to joining the Robotics team in high school. No talk of Chris would be complete without mention of Star Trek. He was an avid collector of memorabilia and attended events. He was extremely pleased to meet Captain Kirk (William Shatner) and received a signed picture of him. A visit to the Star Trek museum was a must. He loved to travel but the most significant were his trips to visit grandparent graves in Pennsylvania and Cape Cod. He meticulously cleaned their stones. A devoted grandson! If Chris saw a project that needed doing, he would figure out how to do it. From an early age, he watched "This Old House" and later HGTV. Everywhere you look in his mom's house you will see evidence of Chris's handiwork. His crowning achievement was his home. He was 13 when the family moved from that house and he vowed to buy it back as an adult. That dream was fulfilled in 2021 and he set out on a yearlong renovation project, mostly by himself but some help from family, friends and professionals. He beamed with pride each step of the way and loved to show the completed project, though he was still finding things to do. Chris received an undergrad Graphic Design degree in 2012 and Masters in 2014, both at CCSU. He worked many different jobs and recently was at Perigord Life Science Solutions as a Prepress Specialist. He was tech support for family and friends. With all his pursuits and abilities, he could be called a Renaissance Man, a kind and gentle man gone too soon. The joy and hopes for the future faded in an instant. The love of family and many friends was not enough to keep him in this life. Hold your loved ones close today because tomorrow is not a certainty. Chris leaves to mourn his passing his mother Nancy Whalen (Steve) in Enfield and his father Lawrence Katulka (Lynn) in Enfield. His brothers HM2 Geoffrey Katulka in the US Navy and Daniel Whalen in Brooklyn, CT. His nephew Silas Katulka of Suffield. Aunts Alice Bonatt of Harwich MA and Kathryn Kearby of Piedmont, OK. He had numerous cousins and extended family. Many friends, especially Brian, Ross, Ryan and Stu. His cat, Anubis, misses him as well. He was predeceased by paternal grandparents Joseph and Pauline Katulka and maternal grandparents George and Catherine Wolfert, Aunt Barbara Newman, Uncle George Wolfert and many others. Relatives and friends may join his family on Thursday August 21, 2025 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Browne Memorial Chapels, Enfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday August 22, 2025 at 10:00 am in St. Patrick Church, Enfield. Interment will be at the convenience of family in St. Patrick's King Street Cemetery, Enfield. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.