Stanley Perkowski

I would like to invite you to a Celebration of His Life and Interests.

WHEN - January 23, 2016 from 2pm to 4pm

WHERE- Wheeler Library (upstairs)

101 Main St.

North Stonington CT 06359

(www.wheelerlibrary.org).

OBITUARY -

Stanley Perkowski Jr- born September 9, 1950 to Stanley Perkowski (deceased) and Lucille Perkowski.

1968 NFA graduate

Graduate of UCONN School of Engineering

Worked 26 years at General Dynamics/Electric Boat

He Loved: volleyball, bicycling, umpiring baseball, hiking and camping in our National Parks, New Hampshire and anyplace with great trails and vistas. He enjoyed surfcasting, fly fishing and fly tying, history, reading, travel to Europe, fine foods, fine wines and whiskeys, cooking, making reproduction furniture and most important of all- his Family.

He married the love of his life in 1973, Elizabeth “Betty” (Tumicki) Perkowski , who survives, along with son, Doug Perkowski of Vernon, CT and Lauren Perkowski of New York, NY.

Stan was a Renaissance man with so many interests and saw this disease, multiple myeloma as one more challenge to be conquered. His research on the illness saw him peppering his doctors with questions as though he was one of their medical school students. He always was looking for the next up and coming drug on the horizon and until now, always bounced back from a relapse.

He said when diagnosed at age 56, after we both had a good cry, that he has had a wonderful life, noting how many younger people and children succumb to cancer without realizing any of the lifetime goals he has. As newlyweds we had taken several extended camping vacations out west, exploring our National Parks and Monuments. Later we took the kids to see the natural beauty of the West. He was able to retire early and spend time on all his other interests.

He didn’t see himself as a victim but as a person with challenges to meet. Stan immensely enjoyed the camaraderie of his buddies who call themselves the SQRSFA (Shetucket Quinebaug Rivers Shad Fishing Association). Mostly a breakfast group that did occasionally catch some fish, their catch and release practice left many of us wondering just how many fish were caught.

Stan loved to laugh and had a sharp sense of humor. He approached every task as an engineer-seeking out the most efficient and elegant solution.

In younger years Stan assisted in coaching the kids sports teams-tee ball, little league, basketball. He was fortunate to be on hand for the cross country meets, softball games and tennis matches. And tried tirelessly to get the kids as excited about hiking up Mt. Washington and camping out as we were. While their friends luxuriated in vacation hotels in Disneyworld, Doug and Lauren saw first-hand the rugged beauty of The Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, Big Bend, Carlsbad Cavern, Guadaloupe Mountains, Mt Rainier and Olympic National Parks. Stan knew what was good for them even if they didn’t at the time.

He did give in to luxury on a cruise to Alaska as he felt he might not be up to a more rugged trip following his stem cell transplant and hip replacement the year before.

A 2004 trip to France sparked a love of wine and cheese and the French language and led to 3 more trips to that country. Driving the French countryside and stopping at the markets for the fresh produce was always a joy to him. He also enjoyed visiting Ireland and Italy.

I’d like to thank the doctors and the whole medical teams who treated him these past nine years- first at UCONN Health Center, then Yale New Haven and St. Francis Hospital. Special thanks to Dr. Robert Bona who managed to keep the cancer at bay for so long and was so patient and understanding in explaining everything to Stan. And thanks to Dr. Eric Silverstein who patched up the bones as they failed .

We miss you Stan.

Betty

SERVICE INFORMATION:

Monday 12/21 4pm - 7pm Calling Hours / Visitation

Burial private

Celebration of his life to be announced after the holidays.