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John Pulaski Obituary

MIDDLEBURY, CT John J. Pulaski "Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather & brother" John J. Pulaski, O.D., 73, of Middlebury, entered peacefully into the gates of heaven on Sunday, April 13, 2025, surrounded by his family after a brief battle with cancer. He was the beloved husband of Sharon (Lombardi) Pulaski. Born in Hartford, CT on March 2, 1952, John was the son of the late John Edward and Virginia (Lach) Pulaski. He attended Xavier high school before attending Fairfield University. He received his doctorate degree from The New England College of Optometry. Dr. Pulaski was widely known and respected over his 45-year career as a Neuro-Optometrist. Since 1980, he served the community through his practice, the Eye Care Center of Waterbury. He had a deep passion for the patients he served which was evident through his unwavering dedication and genuine concern for their comfort and well-being. John continued his devotion seeing patients at Gaylord Hospital and as a member and Treasurer for the College of Syntonic Optometry. Beyond his career, John had a deep passion for golf. He excelled in the sport and was a longtime member of the Country Club of Waterbury. He also played in the Western Hills Golf League and looked forward each year to the annual Duke's golf trips with friends. John was a life-long skier who enjoyed skiing with his family, friends, and most recently, his grandchildren. He loved his UConn basketball and never missed a chance to watch them play. However, it was family that mattered most to him. From outdoor activities to the beach and family vacations, whenever he was with family, his heart was full. There was nothing greater for John than being able to share the things in life that brought him joy with his children and grandchildren. In addition to his loving wife Sharon of Middlebury, John leaves behind three cherished children, Jay Pulaski, his wife Jen, of Elk Grove, CA, Cara Tyminski, her husband Ethan, of Southbury, Lauren Hamm, her husband Jason, of Manchester, 7 grandchildren, Makenna Figueroa-Valenzuela, Lucas, and Logan Pulaski, Noah, Jack, and Ella Tyminski, and Alexander Hamm, and one great granddaughter, Amiri Sanchez. He also leaves behind his siblings, Phillip Pulaski and his wife Elizabeth "BA" Donnelly of Belmont, MA, Bonnie Parry and her husband Jim of Glastonbury, Stephen Pulaski of Mystic, Mary Pulaski and her husband Joe Ray of Bedford, NH, and Annie Pulaski of Bryn Mawr, PA, as well as several nieces and nephews. Arrangements: A funeral will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, 8:45 from Chase Parkway Memorial, the Albini Funeral Home, 430 Chase Parkway, to the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM. Burial will immediately follow at Lake Elise Cemetery in Middlebury. Calling hours for Dr. Pulaski will be held Tuesday evening from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Chase Parkway Memorial. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Dr. Pulaski's memory to: www.catholicacademywaterbury.org/donate/give-online Or www.visiontolearn.org/donate

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Published by WFSB on Apr. 15, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for John Pulaski

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Jay Montalbano

July 12, 2025

Dear Phil and family, I just learned of your brother´s death. I´m sorry I never had the pleasure of meeting him. From reading his obituary, I can see he was a wonderful person who lived a very good life filled with service. May his soul rest in peace. And may you and your family have many wonderful memories of him to comfort and sustain you. In deepest sympathy, Jay.

Cindy Miller (patient)

July 2, 2025

I just learned of Dr. Pulaski's passing throught his eye practice.
I became his patient at Gaylord hospital after sustaining a head injury with multiple symptoms and deficits.
He was the kindest, most empathetic and understanding doctor I ever had. Im am forever grateful for his care and treatment.
He was truly the best.
I am sincerely sorry for your loss.

Jim Casey

June 30, 2025

To Sharon and John's family-
Please accept my condolences on John's passing. I just learned of his death from my daughter, whose own daughter was under John's compassionate care to correct a visual issue. I always heard great and encouraging words following Maeve's visits with Dr. John.

Like John, I was born on 3/2/52. I, too, graduated with you both from Fairfield University in the class of 1974 and sang with the university's glee club- the "Ambassadors of Song", for all 4 years. During our time at FU I found John to be the "real deal", a gentleman with an engaging smile and laugh. A fun man to be around. I feel your loss and wish you peace and strength on his passing.

Gina K.

June 30, 2025

We just learned of Dr Pulaski's passing. Our son Anthony was his patient for many years. He's now 19 and was going to see him one last time before college. We will miss Dr Pulaski. In the words of Anthony on a card he wrote him when he was little that that still hung on Dr Pulaskis office door
when he was little "Thank you for treating my eye "mussel" condition. Our condolences,

Carolyn Finch

June 30, 2025

Friend, patient and fellow kinesiologist. We met when we were working in Nursing Homes in the Waterbury area and he was doing Kinesiology with a patient. I was a Speech Pathologist and used Kinesiology at times also. John was excited to know I had spent a lifetime doing eye exercises and didn't wear glasses any more. I switched eye doctors as soon as I met him. Such a caring, joyful, lovable, brilliant part of my life and oh so many lives. Thank you Lord for John Pulaski. My prayers and love to you Sharon, family and office staff members who were like family. I found out today when I realized the office was empty and I was in Waterbury.

Phil McBrien

May 21, 2025

Sharon and family: My deepest condolences. John was a sweetheart.

Laura

May 18, 2025

Our family is in shock to learn of Dr. Pulaski´s passing.
Dr. Pulaski was a very kind man and wonderful doctor. He understood my special needs daughter and helped her greatly with her vision problems.
We will miss him.
Our deepest condolences to go out to his family and friends.

Amy Mondschein

May 14, 2025

Dr. P has been my eye specialist since 2016. He was an absolutely amazing person, an expert in his field, a truly spectacular man. He always had a smile on his face and was so genuine and kind. He will be missed by so many. My deepest condolences go out to his family, his staff and those whom loved him.

Tanya M.

May 12, 2025

I just drove to the office this morning not realizing Dr Pulaski has passed. My 12 year old son was in shock. Very sad, both of us, to hear the news. We talked about Dr Pulaski, and how he's helped everyone in our family and shared his expertise and knowledge in such thoughtful and positive ways. But mostly how he made us feel so important and seen. My daughter, now 16, has seen him since she was 5. She couldn't write her name in grade 1. She couldn't read till 3rd grade. All because Dr Pulaski helped her in unconventional and effective methods and "met her where she was". She is now a sophomore in high school and in honors and AP classes. She's reads 250-300 page books "A DAY!" I know, we know, my daughter knows, that his support, interventions opened up a whole world of reading to our beautiful daughter. This summer she was accepted into a rigorous summer college program for aspiring creative writers. And my son, 6th grade, who has many peripheral eye challenges was treated by Dr Pulaski...he is now top of his class and scores off the charts on state tests for reading, comprehension and writing. And for me, the mom Dr Pulaski was always sharing insights, warm kind words and tips of what to do at home with my kids. He was part of our village and will always live inside of us....and be part of the story of our lives and the beautiful people who helped us grow and thrive in our lives. We are so so grateful to him.... Thank you Dr Pulaski for your incredible support, spirit, knowledge and kindness. We will forever be grateful to you.

Judith Dudek

May 9, 2025

I absolutely loved seeing DrPulaski as a patient of his. He was so kind and spent time with me to talk and share what we were concerned about. I will miss him so much. He was a true blessing to many people.
Judith Dudek Granby, CT

Matt Apuzzo & Family

May 7, 2025

My family and I just heard of Dr. Pulaski´s passing and are heartbroken. We met Dr. Pulaski when my son was at Gaylord 14 years ago and continued seeing him as a private patient. I always looked forward to seeing him. I think my son did too though he always gave Dr. P a hard time. He was one of the best doctors my son has ever had. He never got upset when I would send him a text when he was on vacation-always seemed to be bad timing on my part. He was always patient and always asked about my daughter. He would always say hi to us at Gaylord when we ran into him. I can´t tell you how much we are going to miss him. I know he loved his family deeply just by all the photos in his office. I am so sorry for your great loss. We will always remember him as the caring, brilliant doctor that cared deeply for each of his patients. You don´t get that often now a days! You all will be in our prayers as will he! We are going to miss you Dr. P! Thank you for the great care you gave Matthew all these years! We were very fortunate! God bless you!

Corrin Burke

May 2, 2025

I learned of Dr. Pulaski's passing yesterday and am so deeply saddened. He was the most amazing Dr. He helped my daughter's and I so much. His brilliance shined through and his care of how his patients we improving was so heart warming. We were never just a face coming in for an appointment. He was so wonderful as we would talk a bit about the scoop of the world and what was going on and saw eye to eye on so much. We would inform each other of the goings on. He felt like an anchor to me in a sea of chaos during covid and through the years. My heart goes out to his family. I am sending so much love to you all. He was certainly to young to leave this world and his enormous presence will be missed so much.

Melanie Barocas Mayer

April 30, 2025

Dr John Pulaski was one of my favorite people in the whole world. Over the years every time I went to see him with my children or for myself, he treated me like an old friend. We´d laugh as well as talk about serious things. I´d bring him fresh organic eggs for my farm. I´m just learning of his passing just because we were trying to get in touch since my husband´s glasses never arrived. John was such a blessing and such an honorable and lovely person.

Single Memorial Tree

Lily Sinnamon

Planted Trees

Beverly Shapiro Feldman

April 23, 2025

I am the sister of Dr Abe Shapiro who spoke often of John and their friendship. My sincere condolences to the family. Beverly Feldman

Gloria R Barry

April 23, 2025

Dear Sharon and family,
I am so sorry for the passing of a great gentleman..
I have to thank you both for when my husband passed away,
You saved my life by giving me a job...
Without that I
probably would have went crazy..
I am sending you all lots of love and sympathy.
Love Gloria
XOXO

Janet DeLeo

April 22, 2025

My deepest condolences to John's family and friends. I am very sad to hear of his passing. He was very kind and always generous with his time. I would travel two hours one-way from RI for my annual eye exam because he could write the perfect complicated prescription. I would have my glasses made in RI. They were done incorrectly. Last year he had them made, an eight- hour trip for me and worth every minute. Well done, Dr. Pulaski. May he rest in peace.

Vin Sacco

April 22, 2025

Words can not express the sadness I feel in my heart in the passing of my best friend. My heart aches for Sharon and his beautiful family. He will be terribly missed by all of us. I will miss the many seasons we spent together attending UConn games and the long nightly phone calls while we were watching the games on TV. I will always remember the Syracuse Big East triple overtime game when we were on the phone for three hours until 2:00am in the morning. John was a great friend, a devoted husband and a wonderful dad. He was a man of deep faith. I will cherish the memories and times we spent together over the fifty years of our friendship. May God bless him and his family. He will always be in our hearts forever.

Yitzchak Goldfinger

April 22, 2025

Dr. Pulaski was an incredibly dedicated, patient, and talented doctor whose expertise was a big help in my children's improvement in school. He was always very friendly and genuinely supportive of our community. He will be sorely missed.

Yitzchak and Toba Goldfinger

Faithful Blessings Bouquet - VASE INCLUDED

Joseph & Jacob DeMayo

Sent Flowers

Joe and Roswitha cusick

April 21, 2025

It´s been an honor to know John , he has always been kind, thoughtful , and fun to to be with .
He will be missed by all his friends. Condolences to the family, gone far to soon.

Bold & Bright - A Florist Original

Connecticut Eye Consultants PC

Sent Flowers

Dr. Frank Forgnoni

April 19, 2025

Shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. John Pulaski.

My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who were blessed to know him.

I was honored to call him a friend and colleague.
We shared many fond memories over the years at the College of Syntonic Optometry meetings.

He led a life filled with love and light, and his remarkable legacy lives on in everyone he touched.

Linda (Martino) David

April 18, 2025

Dear Sharon, I am shocked and so saddened to hear about John. I am very sorry for your loss. I treasure my memories of John and you from our Fairfield days. He was an amazing person, a fun and caring friend. I´m happy you and he enjoyed so many wonderful years together. I am heartbroken for you and your beautiful family. Love and prayers going out to you all. You will continue to be in my thoughts.

Sue

April 18, 2025

My condolences to the family. Dr. Pulaski changed my life with the glasses he made for me. They enabled me to suffer less and enjoy more of my life. He never gave up on me, was kind, respectful, and kept putting up with me even though I have a very complex situation. He is on my list of only a couple of doctors who I looked forward to seeing (out of probably 100 ) because I knew I would get treated well and helped. He was an incredibly smart man and will be greatly missed!! RIP.

Quianna JordanStewart

April 17, 2025

Dr. Pulaski has been my eye doctor for 29 years as well as my children´s eye doctor . He was a Kind and compassionate human being who created authentic connections with his patients. Dr. Pulaski, we celebrate! You will be missed. Heaven has gained a gem.

Debbie Mane

April 17, 2025

I was a patient of his and I always marveled at the way he took time with each and every one of us. You never minded waiting because of that. One of the kindest man I have ever met. I will miss him.

Olivia and the Bucci family

April 17, 2025

My 16 year old daughter unfortunately has over a dozen doctors right now and Doctor Pulaski stands out as bringing nothing but great joy hope and optimism to her. I found him to be a great man who up until her last appointment a few weeks back used his great skill and compassion to keep working on healing her. No and never was not in his vocabulary. Your family is very lucky to have him. He talked about you guys and your vacations a lot. We will always remember him as a kind smart loving compassionate man and doctor. One of the best!!! We send our condolences.

mario zezima

April 17, 2025

Great Dr. and person just so kind to everyone. he will be missed .

Adina Higgs& Sylvia Russ

April 17, 2025

"I'm speechless and truly heartbroken. Having him as our eye doctor for my entire life. Dr has been so much more than a medical professional to our family - he's been like a member of our family. His tireless work ethic and compassionate care will be deeply missed."

Annie and Jay DeMayo

April 17, 2025

Words cannot express our sadness over the recent loss of our dear friend John. His love of family, friends, and life, and his amazing spiritual strength, will never be forgotten. He is truly a role model for all of us. Our sincerest condolences to his lovely wife Sharon and his beautiful family. Love and blessings to all of you, Annie and Jay

John Ruffino

April 16, 2025

John was a great friend at Xavier, and a wonderful and compassionate doctor. He helped my daughter when we were at a wedding in Vermont several years ago. She had a bad reaction to some food and was swelling up and getting short of breath. It was after hours in small town but John came to the rescue with some benadryl. May he rest in peace. My condolences to Sharon and his entire family. He will be greatly missed.
John Ruffino, Xavier High School 1970

Rosemarie Carrafa

April 16, 2025

My condolences and prayers for the Pulaski family.
I was a patient for many years. Dr. Pulaski was a very caring person. He will be missed!
Sincerely, Rosemarie Carrara

Carl and Bernadette Rubano

April 16, 2025

We were long time patients of John as well as golf buddies. His best characteristic was his care and concern for his patients. Our prayers are with Sharon and his family.

Judy DelSasso

April 16, 2025

I have been going to Dr. Pulaski for many years and he was so devoted and took such great care with all patients and always followed up on my eyes which I so appreciated. He was devoted, kind and "One of a Kind". Will miss him very much. He will be hard to replace.

Patrick Zailckas, Esq.

April 16, 2025

Sharon,
I am so saddened to learn of John's passing, of your and our loss. His dedication to you and family, and to his work and patients, was boundless. He leaves behind a legacy of true joy and caring, and will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to have shared paths with him in this life. My prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family in this time. He is truly enjoying the rewards of a life well-lived!

Anne-Marie Ianzito

April 16, 2025

So shocked and saddened to hear of Dr Pulaski´s passing. My family and I have gone to Dr Pulaski for about a decade. He was an `old school´ doctor who extended himself to help, really cared about his patients and it was clear that his work was his vocation and not just a way to make a living. Dr Pulaski was an amazingly kind and decent person who will no doubt be missed by his family, friends, colleagues and patients.
Thinking of his family at this very difficult time.

Jerry Anastasio

April 15, 2025

Sharon, Colleen and I were so sad to hear about Joh's passing this week. My memories of John are from our time living on Loyola 3. My next door neighbor on that floor, he was always warm and friendly. Just a great guy! Please know that John, you and your family are in or daily prayers. God grant you all comfort during this difficult time. Jerry and Colleen

Curt Baxstrom

April 15, 2025

Annual meeting of NORA with colleagues-Mary Van Hoy, Curt Baxstrom, Brenda Montecalvo and John!

BJ's Optical

April 15, 2025

Condolences to the Family and all those whom will dearly close to him. The Optical community will miss him. Patients always spoke well about his professionalism and willing to go above and beyond for his patients. -BJs

Ken Burke & family

April 15, 2025

Dear Sharon & family, Our hearts are with you during this time of mourning for John. He was a true friend who loved humanity, always faithful and sharing the greater good. He was a beacon in our profession, an insatiable learner always searching for new ways to help and encourage others. His love for the Lord is his compass so Heaven has welcomed a faithful servant. We will miss John´s wit and engaging smiles,and his legacy will live on . Praying for peace and love in our world. Thank you John for sharing your life with us. God bless. Ken Burke & family

Louis Lombard

April 15, 2025

Sharon,
Lori & I were both shocked and deeply saddened to hear of John's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. He was a wonderful guy and I know he had a deep faith. We will keep you in our prayers.

Lou

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Memorial Events
for John Pulaski

Apr

22

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Chase Parkway Memorial

430 Chase Parkway, Waterbury, CT 06708

Apr

23

Mass of Christian Burial

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

74 West Main St., Waterbury, CT 06702

Apr

23

Burial

11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Lake Elise Cemetery

Long Meadown Road, Middlebury, CT 06762

Funeral services provided by:

Chase Parkway Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home - Waterbury

430 Chase Parkway, Waterbury, CT 06708

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