In Memoriam: Edward P. Dutkiewicz

From Berlin Funeral Home.

Edward Paul Dutkiewicz, 98, passed away quietly, and comfortably surrounded by his family on Feb. 8, 2016.

Born March 2, 1917 he was a first generation Polish American in New Britain.

At the age of 7 his family moved to Berlin where he helped his dad establish The Connecticut Valley Orchard, a fruit farm business. By then he also had a paperboy route delivering local newspapers.

At the age of 12, Ed and his father planted seedling pine trees along the railroad tracks. Once thought to be destined as lumber for barns and family homes, those stands of pines remain today, easily seen on Orchard Road.

At the start of World War II, Ed joined the Army, only to find himself as part of the new branch of service known as the Army Air Force. Rising to the Rank of first Lieutenant, he was the navigator/radar operator on a twin fuselage night fighter P-61, also known as the Black Widow. His night patrols took him throughout the China/India/Burma arena.

Returning home to civilian life he married Josephine Constance Wysocki in 1947. To support his growing family he became a plumber and in 1955 he moved his family to their new home in Berlin, where he spent the rest of his life.

He is predeceased by his wife Josephine; sons-in-law Dr. Monte Kay, Erik Stettmeier and Peter Divane; his sisters, Helen and Anna, and brothers, John and Joseph.

Ed enjoyed his life and found his peace in his fields, the vegetable gardens and tending to his fruit trees and grapevines. He loved to be outside with the fresh air, working and listening to the bird songs. Days would be spent on lawn chores, maintaining and fixing farm equipment.

When he spoke of his war experiences, he often found his audience fascinated by his stories, and his command of dates and names. During the winters, he loved to sit at the kitchen table watching the birds and other animals at the feeders, and planning the day’s activities.

Ed was a member of the New Britain VFW and would occasionally visit the ‘gang’ there to see how they were doing.

Ed Dutkiewicz is survived by his children: Paula Kay of Old Saybrook, Philip Dutkiewicz of Berlin, Edward Dutkiewicz Jr. and wife Cindy of Dade City FL, Mark Dutkiewicz of Cromwell, Joan and Scott Veley of Berlin, Dr. Mary Stettmeier of Richmond VA, and Laura Dutkiewicz of Berlin.

He is also survived by his grandson Edward, and wife Jasmine, and their daughter, Noelle, of New Hampshire, a granddaughter, Katherine Stettmeier of Richmond, VA and a brother and sister-in-law Stanley and Natalie Dutkiewicz of Berlin.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, Feb. 12, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Berlin Memorial Funeral Home, Main Street ,Berlin. A short inspirational blessing and prayer will follow immediately. Burial will be at the family’s discretion.

A memorial service and luncheon will be planned and announced at a later date.

To share memories of Ed with the family, please visit www.berlinmemorialfuneralhome.com.