Michael “Duffy” Kulmatiski, 91, of Windham, CT, passed away on Sept.24, 2016 at Hartford Hospital, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was the husband of the late Lottie (Lagoss) Kulmatiski.
Michael was born on Sept. 28, 1924 in Korn Krest, PA, the son of the late Michael and Mary Kulmatiski. He was one of 11 children.
At the age of 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force and served in WWII in the Central Europe Air Offensive. Shortly after he enlisted, his bomber was shot down over France while on a mission. He was captured and held for 18 months as a POW at Stalag XVII in Krems, Austria, the largest Nazi POW camp in Europe. In 1945, he re-enlisted and served during the post-war occupation of Japan. He was awarded 2 Bronze Stars and a number of other commendations for his service.
Following his military service, Michael and his family moved to CT, where Michael became a skilled machinist and worked for several companies before opening his own business in Milldale, CT. In retirement, he moved to Windham to be near his family. Michael was a parishioner of St. Mary’s Church in Willimantic, CT and a member of the VFW, and the Disabled American Veterans.
Michael was a caring, generous and fun-loving soul who loved and cherished his immediate and large, extended family, and enjoyed nothing more than spending time with them.
He is survived by his daughters, Margaret Sperry and her husband, Brad, of Wilbraham, MA., and Michalene Bedard and her husband, Robert, of Windham; his grandchildren, Dr. Brooke Sperry and her husband, Adrian Symonds, of London, England, Justin Bedard and his wife, Liz, of Rockville, MD, and Nathan Bedard and his wife, Ann, of Ellington, CT; and his great grandchildren, Joseph and Carol Bedard. He also leaves his beloved brother Theodore Kulmatiski of Wilkes-Barre, PA, beloved brother-in-law and best friend, Alfred Lagoss of Bristol, CT, many nieces, nephews and other extended family members, and his loving Labrador Retriever companion, Winston. He was predeceased by 6 brothers and 3 sisters.
On. Sept. 28, 2016, a Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Aloysius Church in Plantsville, CT. Burial with Military honors followed at St. Thomas Cemetery in Southington, CT. Arrangements were handled by DellaVecchia Funeral Home of Southington, CT.
Memorial donations may be made to Hero Dogs, a charity which provides service dogs to Veterans, www.hero-dogs.org, or a charity of the donor’s choice.