Sadie King Bilka

Sadie King Bilka died peacefully on October 24, 2015. She was the widow of the late John J. Bilka and daughter of the late Antonio and Santa Zenobia. Sadie was born in Danbury, CT on February 21, 1921 and lived here all her life. She attended Danbury schools, but would often say that she was a graduate of “the school of hard knocks.” She began work as a teenager with her sisters at N&B Manufacturing, a clothing factory in Bethel, where she was employed as a presser. She would later co- own and operate ABC Artesian Wells with her husband John, which later became John J. Bilka & Sons Well Drilling in the 1960’s.

She went on to become a well known realtor in the 1970’s and 80’s, a career she truly enjoyed. Making lifelong friends along the way, she retired from the Danbury Housing Authority at age 84. Sadie traveled extensively throughout her life, but had a penchant for New England and the four seasons. An artist at heart, as a young girl she sketched in charcoal and ink, and as an adult was a passionate oil painter. An avid reader, she often read through the night and believed that “one is never alone if there’s a book in the house.” Sadie was a spirited woman, known for her directness and loved for her salty sense of humor, and will be remembered fondly by her many friends, her neighbors at Kimberly Place, and her loving family.

She is survived by her sons, Ronald A. King of Brookfield and John S. Bilka and his partner John Kristovich of New York, daughter-in-law Emily King of Newtown and grandchildren Ronald King Jr. of St. Petersburg, FL, Craig King (Liz) of Atlanta, GA, Michael J. King (Gail), Kim Gaita (Lenny) of Danbury, Great grandchildren Jessica and Lenny Gaita Jr. of Danbury, and Emma and Mia-Sadie King of Georgia, several nieces and nephews especially, Kathy Coladarci (Marty) of New Milford, Karen Warner (Joe) of Danbury, and Kim Conner of Dover, NJ, and a contingent of great nieces who brought her so much joy.

Sadie was predeceased by first husband Leo A. King, her beloved daughter, Joan T. Bilka, and her son Leon M. King, and her brothers Steve, Frank and Tony, and her sisters, Josie, Margaret, and Mary.

The family wishes to thank Mary Flynn and Jeanne Burns for the friendship and care they each provided to Sadie.

A graveside service will be held for family and close friends at 11:00am on Saturday, November 7, 2015 at St. Peter Cemetery, Danbury, CT.

Donations may be made to the Spiritual Care Program c/o Danbury Hospital, 24 Hospital Ave. Danbury, CT 06810.