Edward P. Kordys

Edward Paul John Kordys, 94, of Southington, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at HOCC at New Britain. He had been the loving and devoted husband of the late Mildred (Kosienski) Kordys for 48 wonderful years.

Born in Southington on February 25, 1928, one of eight, to the late Paul and Bronislawa (Swistak) Kordys, he was a lifelong Southington resident. Edward grew up on his family farm.  Mildred and Edward married on October 14, 1950.  Their first child, Denise, was born in 1952 and Edward Leon was born in 1958.  Theresa (1961) and Cynthia (1968) followed.

Edward graduated from Lewis High School, Class of 1946 and continued his education at Wilcox Technical High School where he began his trade as a skilled welder. Edward worked at the Charles Parker Company in Meriden and the Revere Corporation in Wallingford. In 1959, Mildred and he established Kordys Welding Inc. Edward shared his specialized knowledge and style of welding with his son, Edward Leon, who eventually joined the family business.  Edward and his son became a widely sought-after father and son welding team by many leading military and aerospace companies. In addition, Edward was well-known amongst various industries for his extensive knowledge and expertise in metallurgy, electrical engineering, and architectural design.  He was a member of the American Metal Society and a member of the American Welding Society where he was honored for many achievements, most notably the Lifetime Achievement Award.  He also worked on several large government projects, including the 1959 Mercury-Atlas 7 Space Shot with astronaut Scott Carpenter where he welded the recovery antennas for the spacecraft Aurora 7. Due to a series of malfunctions, the Aurora 7 landed 250 miles downrange from its intended splash point, but both pilot and spacecraft were retrieved thanks to Edward’s expert welding on and the flawless performance of the recovery antennas. He worked for large companies such as Sikorsky, IBM, General Electric, Canberra Industries and Raymond Engineering, Teleco Oilfield Services, Honeywell, and the Bureau of Naval Weapons.

Edward had a passion for serving the community in which he lived.  He was elected and served as chairman of the Southington Parking Authority for two terms, and was an active member of the Democratic Town Committee. His faith led both he and his family to Immaculate Conception Church, and as a lifelong parishioner, he served as an usher, Trustee, and as a member on both the Finance Board and Holy Name Society. Edward was proud of his Polish heritage and was actively engaged as a member of the Polish National Alliance Lodge #684 and the Polish Falcons Nest #307 in Southington.

Edward was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed gardening, traveling, dining out and listening to Polka music.  Edward loved his family and was always a source of wisdom, guidance and humor for his children and grandchildren. Armed with an encyclopedic knowledge of history, he would spend time with his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews sharing experiences. At home, Edward relished family gatherings where his sense of humor, quick wit and storytelling took center stage.

Edward lived a life of endless determination, hard work, love for his family, and the belief in service and community.  Edward’s presence was larger than life, but he would never make that claim. He had a sense of humor unlike any other; where there was Ed, laughter was not far behind. He carried himself with humility, honesty, and integrity, and centered his life around his wife and children. He will forever be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, dear friend and in his own words, "the difficult we can handle, the impossible may take us a little while."

Edward is survived by his three daughters; Denise Carriera of West Palm Beach, FL, Theresa (Teri) Gaberman of Wilton, CT and Cynthia Kordys of Swanzey, NH; three grandsons, Jason Kordys and his wife Rebecca of Watertown, CT, Jonathan Gaberman of Northampton, MA and Aaron Gaberman of State College, PA, and two great-grandsons, Brandon and Christian.  He is also survived by his longtime companion and caregiver, Helen Barone of Southington, his beloved black labrador, Miley and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife Mildred, Edward was predeceased by his son Edward Leon Kordys and seven siblings; Joseph and Walter Kordys, Harriet Dominello, Stella Budnick, Elizabeth Pernal, Helen Swiatek and Catherine Frederick. 

The family would like to express their deep gratitude to Edward’s nurses and caregivers, including Marigold and Erica from Franciscan Home Care for their loving care of Edward.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Edward’s memory may be made to Immaculate Conception Church, 130 Summer St., Plantsville, CT 06479, Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care, 267 Finch Ave., Meriden, CT 06451, Office of Radio & Television, 15 Peach Orchard Road, Prospect, CT 06712 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at the Immaculate Conception Church, 130 Summer St., Southington. Burial will follow in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery, 139 South End Road, Southington. Walk-through calling hours will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St., Plantsville.  Face coverings will be required at all times. 

Pallbearers include: Jason Kordys, Jonathan Gaberman, Aaron Gaberman, Mark Gaberman, Michael Bonneville, and Robert Berkmoes.

For online condolences and directions, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com.