John M Kowalonek

John Michael Kowalonek, age 97, of Southington, CT and formerly of Stratford, CT, passed away August 2, 2024. He was born in Bridgeport CT to the late John Peter and Anna  Kowalonek.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Helen Kowalonek.  He is survived by his devoted children, John and his wife Jie Kowalonek of Clinton, MA and Diane and her husband Nicholas Cianciola of Cheshire, CT; five loving grandchildren Peter, James, Alicia, Elisabeth and Amanda; six cherished great grandchildren, Logan, Olivia, Gianna, Laurel, Dylan, and Nico. He was predeceased by his siblings Helen Zaleski, Leon Kowalonek, Frank Kowalonek, and Jadwiga (Edna) Kowalonek.

CAREER

John was an accomplished engineer and educator with a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Syracuse and a MS in Mechanical Engineering from Columbia.

ENGINEER

John spent 28-years as an engineer at Sikorsky Aircraft, He focused on turbine engine application and installation, with roles that included Technical Manager S-76 engines and Designated Engineering Representative (DER) to the FAA, approving helicopter engine installations for all of Sikorsky. In addition to the S-76, John participated in the development of other aircraft including the CH-53E Super Stallion, the S-58-T, the S-72 Rotor Systems Research Aircraft (RSRA). He is named as an inventor on patent 3,449,891 engine inlet air particle separator, allowing helicopters to operate in sandy conditions that would otherwise destroy the engine.

Before his work at Sikorsky, John 10 years in engineering at Avco Lycoming Turbine Engine Division, focused on fuel control design. In this role, John worked to perfect the fuel control for the T-53 turbo shaft engine, helping to significantly increase that engine’s reliability and time between maintenance.

EDUCATOR

Alongside his work as an engineer, John spent 34 years in education at Bridgeport Engineering Institute (BEI), rising from instructor to department head, and eventually Dean of Engineering at Bridgeport Engineering Institute.

He taught classes in Kinematics, Fluid Mechanics, Machine Design, and Graphics. As dean, he was responsible for developing all academic programs, instructor appointments, course scheduling, and the approval of all textbooks. He was directly involved in the institute’s State of Connecticut and New England Regional accreditation process. He was instrumental in the design and development of the mechanical engineering laboratory, where students could experiment and get hands-on experience.

In 1976, John was named a Fellow of the Institute, the highest honor bestowed on persons who contribute to the advancement of the institute because of his “devotion to his responsibilities in addition to his extensive work with students.”

In 1974, John was named an Outstanding Educator of America by a national educator’s organization that honors exceptional academic accomplishment and civic contributions.

VOLUNTEER WORK AND ORGANIZATIONS

John was involved in a number of volunteer positions and organizations include:

The Sikorsky Archives where he helped develop articles and publish the website,

The BEI OWL newsletter, where he acted as editor and publisher,

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers where he served on the executive committee for Fairfield County and as section secretary.

The Sikorsky Alumni association where he published website updates after meetings and luncheons.

FAMILY, FRIENDS AND FAITH

John’s family and friends looked up to him as an example of someone living their faith. His dedication and commitment to family and friends, and a rare ability to break down problems and guide others made him a valuable resource to anyone looking for guidance, whether it be career, relationships, or just day to day issues.

His faith was unshakeable. As devout Catholics, he and his dear wife Helen attended Mass every week, John helped wherever he could and was often seen making the rounds during collections.

John had a simple sense of humor, a funny and very witty comeback in any situation, adding a smile to the day of everyone around. He was well known for his funny cards for all occasions, punctuated by unique and personalized cartoons he would draw himself.

CALLING HOURS, SERVICE AND GIFTS

John’s Family and Friends may pay their respects on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at the Cyril F. Mullins Funeral Home, 399 White Plains Rd. Trumbull. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 9:45 a.m.  beginning at  the Cyril F. Mullins Funeral Home and at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace Church, 497 Second Hill Lane, Stratford, CT for a Mass of Christian Burial.  Interment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sikorsky Archives (www.sikorskyarchives.com). Flowers also accepted.

For more information or to leave an online condolence please visit www.mullinsfh.com.

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