Obituary of Jan Kiwak

Jan Kiwak, age 88, beloved husband of Julia Kozlowski Kiwak of Derby, died peacefully on December 1, 2017, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his family.  Born in Kolbuszowa, Poland on September 23, 1929, he was the son of the late Wojciech and Maria Ofiara Kiwak.  Mr. Kiwak immigrated from Poland in 1966, first arriving in St. Louis, MO and settling in the Valley in 1968.  He worked as a Machinist and Tool & Die Maker for the A.H. Nilson Machine Co, formerly of Shelton for 30 years and was then employed at the former U.S. Baird Co. of Stratford for 14 years, until the time of his retirement in 1992.  Mr. Kiwak was a master craftsman of all trades (especially woodworking), completing each task to perfection.  His friends and family referred to him as the “Golden Hand” for his incredible attention to details.  He was a Communicant of St. Michael Church, enjoyed gardening, fishing and will be long remembered for his special love for his family.  In addition to his wife of 63 years, Mr. Kiwak is survived by his devoted children, Krystyna (Chester) Glodek of Derby, Grace (Yvan Boulet) Fritz of Ansonia, Anna (Stefan) Tokarz of Shelton and Darek (Dorota) Kiwak of Shelton; brother, Stanislaw (Barbara) Kiwak and sister, Emilia (Jozef) Ozimek, all of Poland; 9 cherished grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Kiwak is predeceased by a brother, Jozef (Genowefa) Kiwak.  Funeral services will take place on Monday, December 4, 2017 at 9:00 AM from the Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home, 167 Wakelee Avenue, Ansonia.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM in St. Michael the Archangel Church, 75 Derby Ave., Derby.  Interment will follow in St. Michael Cemetery, Derby.  Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday, December 3, 2017, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael Church.  Online condolences may be made at www.wakeleememorial.com.