Henry F. Kolodziej

Henry F. Kolodziej "Koke", 87, of Rocky Hill, Connecticut, passed away Thursday, September 4, 2014. He was Margaret's "Peggy" beloved husband of 54 years. Henry was born June 5, 1927, in Hartford, Connecticut's "South End," the son of Franciszek Kolodziej and Mary Bucior Kolodziej. At 17 years of age, Henry answered his County's call to arms and enlisted in the United States Navy. He was proud to serve in its Naval Construction Force, the Seabees, as it built airfields and made other improvements to the island of Okinawa as part of an Allied plan to invade the main islands of Japan. He later chose a career in construction, and enjoyed thirty-plus years with the White Oak Corporation of Plainville, Connecticut. Henry greatly cherished his family and each and every friendship he made throughout his life. He enriched the lives of those whom he loved, and who will forever love him. Besides his wife, Henry is survived by his sister, Amelia Kearns of Narragansett, Rhode Island; his daughter, Ann Mangan, son-in-law Tim, granddaughter Audrey, and grandson Steve, of Honeoye Falls, New York; his son Frank, daughter-in-law Jeannine, grandson Kevin, and granddaughter Alexandria, of Loveland, Colorado; his son, Steven, and granddaughter Mary, of Cheshire, Connecticut; and daughter Sandra Larson and son-in-law Justin of Fort Collins, Colorado. Uncle Koke took great pride in his many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2014, at Saint James Roman Catholic Church, 767 Elm Street, Rocky Hill, Connecticut, 06067. The family will greet relatives and friends at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m. and Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Pathways Hospice in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 West Olive Street, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80524.