John T. Kowalchyk

MERIDEN - John T. Kowalchyk of Meriden died Tuesday, May 6, 2008 after dealing with heart disease for many years. John was born in Evergreen, Illinois on Sept. 24, 1934, the son of the late Rev. Peter and Mary Kowalchyk. He spent his early years in Johnstown, PA before moving to New Britain, CT where he was a graduate of New Britain High School and Central Connecticut State University. John was a teacher in the Meriden School System from 1961 to 1996. During the late 1950's he served as a military policeman in the U.S. Army. John was raised in the Ukrainian Orthodox faith but later became a member of the First Baptist Church in Meriden, where he served as a Deacon and as a member of the Board of Missions. John leaves his wife of 44 years, Nancy Burleigh Kowalchyk and two daughters, Karyn L. Kowalchyk of Meriden and Kathy Kowalchyk (Sixon) and her husband, Jonathan Sixon of Milford, N.H., along with two grandsons, David and Daniel Sixon, also of Milford, N.H. He is also survived by two brothers, Robert Kowalchyk of Newington and Peter Kowalchyk of Fort Worth, Texas and several nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends may call Friday, May 9th, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Beecher and Bennett Flatow Funeral Home, 48 Cook Ave., Meriden. The funeral will be held Saturday at 12 noon at the First Baptist Church, 460 Broad St., Meriden. The Rev. Dr. Robert Prescott-Ezickson will officiate. Burial will follow in Walnut Grove Cemetery.