Walter P. Karlowicz

Walter Peter Karlowicz, 78, of Southington, died on Thursday, December 7th, 2023, in the peace and comfort of his home and with his loving wife by his side after a lengthy and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. Walter was born in Hartford, CT on May 16th, 1945, son of the late Walter M. Karlowicz and Camelia Bobrowski Karlowicz. Walter leaves behind his wife of 51 years, Jean Tatasciore Karlowicz; they were inseparable until Walter’s death. They celebrated 50 years of marriage on June 10th, 2022 with a celebration amongst many cherished family and friends. He lived a beautiful life full of family, faith, and friends.

Walter spent his early childhood in Charter Oak Terrace and Stowe Village, Hartford, graduating from St. Michael’s grammar school in 1959. He attended Cathedral High School in Hartford for two years, before joining the Capuchin Seminary of Staunton, VA in 1962. Walter left the Seminary in 1965. Walter joined the U.S. Navy as part of the Seventh Fleet in 1966 during the height of the Vietnam conflict, including time spent stationed in Vietnam; Walter was extremely proud of the four years he spent serving his country. Walter was awarded the CT Wartime Service Medal in 2016 to honor his service. After his service, he received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Central Connecticut State University. Walter moved to Southington in 1979 where he spent the remainder of his life. He worked for the Hartford Public School’s Food Service Department as the Accounting Manager for nearly 20 years. Walter, along with his wife, spent 16 years owning and operating the Sweet Occasions gift shop in Bloomfield, CT.

Walter grew up in a family devoted to their Catholic faith. Walters’s older brother, Father Cyril Karlowicz, was a Capuchin priest for 12 years in Woodstock, VA, prior to his death in 1980. Father Cyril was ordained to the priesthood by the Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. Walter is also survived by his twin sister, Camelia Fabrycki of Plantsville, CT, and his younger brother, Francis Karlowicz of Rocky Hill, CT, who helped operate Sweet Occasions.

In addition to his wife and siblings, Walter leaves behind three sons, Anthony Karlowicz and his wife Shannon of Windsor, Andrew Karlowicz and his wife Jessica of West Hartford, and Nicholas Karlowicz and his wife Farana of West Hartford; five grandchildren, Olivia and Macy Karlowicz of Windsor, Beckham and Miles Karlowicz of West Hartford, and Piper Karlowicz of West Hartford; as well as several beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, Godchildren, and many other dear friends and family. He will miss his regular dinners with the three other couples that made up the “gourmet dinner group”, a tradition that went on for over 40 years.

Active in his church, The Church of St. Dominic, Southington, he and his wife served as Eucharistic Ministers, served on the parish counsel, and other volunteer activities for both the church and school. Walter enjoyed bowling, as a member of the CT Teachers Bowling League, as well as golf, as a member of the Southington Senior Golf League. He cherished his annual summer tradition of camping at Hammonasset Beach State Park with his family and friends.

A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, December 14th, at 11 AM at St. Dominic’s Church, 1050 Flanders Rd, Southington. Burial will follow at Mount Saint Benedict Cemetery in Bloomfield. Friends and family are invited to calling hours at Della Vecchia Funeral Home, 211 N Main St, Southington, on Wednesday, December 13th, from 5 – 8 PM.

The family would like to thank the many aides who assisted Walter in his final years, including Kwabe, Samuel, and Godfred. In honor of Walter, please consider striking up a conversation with a stranger, something that he enjoyed doing throughout his life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Walter’s name to Capuchin Franciscan Friars (www.capuchinfriars.org) or The Church of St. Dominic’s, Southington.