Benjamin Joseph Kowalski

Former Jamesport resident Benjamin Joseph Kowalski of Southbury, Conn., died Jan. 11, 2012, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Mr. Kowalski was a commander (ret.) in the United States Coast Guard. He enlisted in the service in 1943 in response to the war effort. One of his earliest assignments was Lt. j.g. on the LST-327, one of the ships used to transport men and vehicles in the Normandy Invasion. He re-enlisted after the war and ended his prestigious military career as Captain of the Port (Manhattan) New York, one of the highest operational positions in the Coast Guard.

He also excelled in construction design and supervision for several architects. His most recent employer was Boehringer Ingelheim of Ridgefield, Conn.

Mr. Kowalski was born May 4, 1920, in Jamesport, N.Y. Education was one of his top priorities; he excelled in required Coast Guard Academy exams and continued to pursue courses from local colleges throughout the remainder of his life. He enjoyed working with his hands and could build or fix most anything. His favorite pastimes included boating, fishing and all other activities associated with the water.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sheila; his daughter, Karen Fleming, and husband, Terry, of Vienna, Va.; and his son, Dan, and wife, Susan, of Laurel, N.Y. Other survivors include his brother, Adam Kowalski of South Windsor, Conn.; his sister, Rose Hardison of Jamesport; and a granddaughter, Jennifer Bowne, and husband, Gabe, of Costa Mesa, Calif.

Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Connecticut Chapter, 279 New Britain Road, Suite 5, Kensington, CT 06037.

Arrangements were handled by Carpino Funeral Home, Southbury, Conn.

This is a paid notice.