Berlin Obituary: Carl Bienkowski, 73

Carl J. Bienkowski, 73, of Berlin, died on Tuesday, June 12, 2018.

Born in New Britain to the late Stephen and Mary (Pajak) Bienkowski, he attended Sacred Heart School and graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas High School. He jokingly received the nickname "Bullwinkle" which became his CB handle during family car trips. Carl proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1969.

He loved to watch his grandchildren play sports and musical instruments. He was a supporter of the NBHS Marching Band and enjoyed watching the NBHS football games as well as those of the Pittsburgh teams. Carl was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #12 and a 4th Degree Knight. He was a very active member with the Knights, bartending and managing the funds for their Bingo games. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #68 of Berlin.

A NASCAR enthusiast, Carl never missed a race and cheered on Jeff Burton, his favorite driver. A quiet man of few words but a heart full of love, he will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife, Joanne (Yelenak) Bienkowski, his son, Michael Bienkowski and wife Jill, his daughter, Dawn Cyr and husband Christopher and his daughter, Corrina Kwasnick and husband, Dennis; his adored grandchildren: Zachary, Kathryn, Natalie, Jocelyn, Emmaline, Noah, Abbigayle, Christopher Jr., Michael Jr. and Jacob; his sister, Christine Petig and husband Bill and his brother, Gary Bienkowski and wife Nancy along with many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday, June 21, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Duksa Family Funeral Homes at Burritt Hill, 332 Burritt St., New Britain. Funeral services will begin at 8:45 a.m. on Friday, June 22 from the Burritt Hill Funeral Home with a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church, New Britain. Inurnment will take place following the Mass at the indoor glass columbarium of St. Mary Cemetery, New Britain. In recognition of Carl's service and dedication to his country, military honors will be rendered at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Carl's name may be made to: Vietnam Veterans of America, 357 Main St., Hartford, CT 06106, The American Cancer Society www.cancer.org or to St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1755 Stanley St., New Britain, CT 06053.

To share a message of sympathy with his family, please visit us at www.duksa.net.