Zbigniew David Mikulec

Born on June 16, 1949, in Elbląg, Poland, and raised in Łódź, Zbigniew came of age in post-war Poland amid challenging surroundings that shaped his resilience and independent spirit. In 1966, he immigrated to the United States with his mother in pursuit of opportunity and a better life. He later served in the United States Army, attaining the rank of Sergeant while stationed in South Korea during the Vietnam War.

An electronic engineer and gifted repairman, Zbigniew had an exceptional ability to fix and build nearly anything. From 1982 to 1998, he owned and operated A1 Video, where his technical savvy, social nature, and unmistakable sense of humor made him a well-known figure in the community. He built his home in Farmington, Connecticut, alongside family and friends — a testament to both his skill and the strong relationships he cultivated throughout his life.

Zbigniew was outgoing, fully colorful, and deeply engaging. With a bright smile and unmistakable presence, he enjoyed being the life of the party. Known for his raw, unfiltered wit and straightforward candor, he had a gift for delivering a joke with perfect timing. He was also known to be a loyal friend, a great dancer, an avid skier, and someone who loved to socialize and stay connected — whether in person or through his many Facebook posts.

Behind his bold personality was a quieter generosity. He was always willing to help friends and family fix what was broken, often without hesitation. In a defining act of selflessness, he once gave up his place in line for a heart transplant so that a 14-year-old boy could receive the life-saving surgery instead — a reflection of the deeper compassion that guided him.

He took great pride in the accomplishments of his children — in their education, their careers, and the lives they built. He loved family vacations and holidays, and he took great joy in skiing with his children. He valued having friends and family gathered around him and was proud of his grandchildren, loving being in their presence. He taught those around him to be yourself, no matter the situation — a lesson he lived fully.

Zbigniew was predeceased by his beloved wife of 37 years, Barbara (Napierkowski) Mikulec; his father, Franciszek Mikulec; his mother, Julia Mikulec; and his sister, Victoria Pinda.

He is survived by his son, Michael Mikulec and his wife, Baoyi Huang of Savannah, GA; his daughter, Jennifer (Mikulec) Wheelock and her husband, Nicholas Wheelock of Tolland, CT; his grandchildren, Jackson Wheelock, Chase Wheelock, and Noah Mikulec and his sister, Bronia Soltysik.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 1, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at New Britain Memorial & Donald D. Sagarino Funeral Home, 444 Farmington Avenue, New Britain, CT. A funeral Mass will take place on Monday, March 2, at 9:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church in New Britain, followed by burial at Sacred Heart Cemetery. A reception will follow at New Britain Memorial's Event Center.