Frederick Onuparik Jr.

Onuparik- Fred Onuparik passed away on Friday, Jan. 22, 2016. He was the only son of Frederick Onuparik Sr. and Anna Panek Onuparik born on August 10, 1925. He was raised on the family farm in Uncasville. A child of the Depression he earned his own way from the time he was eight years old delivering the New London Day newspaper up Gay Hill Road after school every day. He made a penny a week from each customer as his pay. He would hunt and skin small animals and sell their pelts to Sears Roebuck Catalog to turn into fur coats or fur trim. In this was he was able to purchase his first used car from a customer at 14. Fred was well known as a baseball pitcher. He played for the Montville Cits, Electric Boat, NFA, and Chapman tech teams. He was scouted by professional teams when he attended the University of Arizona. As a high school student Fred spent his summer vacation helping to set cement pilings for the old Gold Star Bridge. Even though he was underage he received a man’s wage because of the dangerous conditions. Fred enlisted in the Connecticut National Guard and was activated to Regular Army status. He attended Officer training school and graduated with honors but chose not to accept the promotion. Fred earned several commendations and medals while in the Army. Fred created a new parts filing system while stationed in Japan, which was eventually adopted by the entire Army to use throughout all posts. He was most proud of his sharpshooter medal and weapon assembly medal. He received the occupation medal for distinguished service in Japan. Fred was an operating engineer most of his adult life. He worked for his father in the Onuparik Construction Co. in New London. He dug hundreds of roads throughout Connecticut and Rhode Island. He worked with a Civil Engineer to build the Groton Reservoir. He helped repair the Ocean Beach Boardwalk after Hurricane Carol in 1953, and helped build Millstone Power Plant. He worked for Fred Benvenuti Construction Co. rebuilding roads around the New London train station and building Children’s Play Parks. He married the love of his life Teresa Taraskiewicz on Nov. 24, 1956. He is survived by his son Frederick Onuparik III and daughter Patricia Onuparik. He was devoted to his wife and children and caring for his home which he dug the cellar and well for. He also assisted in every step of its building. His passion was caring for his yard and property. The current photograph on Google Earth shows him on his tractor mowing the lawn. He was predeceased by his wife and parents and by his 2 sisters, Joyce Onuparik Deedy and Doris Onuparik Cabral. In addition to his two children he is survived by his 2 cousins Steven Onuparik and Marilyn Onuparik Richards, brother in law Ted Taraskiewicz, several nieces and nephews, Elaine Deedy-Sincali, Diane Deedy, Debbie Deedy-Dazzi and Tom Deedy, Joseph Cabral and Robert Cabral. Calling hours will be TODAY from 9-11 a.m. at the Montville FH of Church and Allen Rte. 32 Uncasville followed by a Mass of Catholic Burial from St. John the Evangelist Church in Uncasville at 12 noon. Interment will be in the family plot in Cedar Grove Cemetery New London. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff of the New London Rehabilitation and Care of Clark lane. In particular the affection and dedication to my father’s needs given by Gloria, Tamara, Luna, and especially Carol. They made a difficult situation bearable. Please visit www.montvillefuneralhome.com to leave an online tribute or condolence.