John Robert Bolinski

HARWINTON – John Robert Bolinski, 72, of Harwinton, passed away on October 21, 2019 at the West Haven VA Medical Center after a fierce battle with glioblastoma.

John was born on February 28, 1947 in Wechscheidt, Germany, son of the late Sylvester W. and Wanda B. (Ogrodnik) Bolinski. He served honorably in the United States Navy, including service on board the USS Davidson during the Vietnam War. John earned his undergraduate degree in History from the University of Missouri and his master’s degree in Business and Public Administration from the University of New Haven. He was extremely involved in local youth baseball and softball throughout the years, playing an instrumental role in starting the Tri-Valley Sports Association. John was also an avid reader and cherished spending time with his loving family.

John is survived by his three children, Nora Bolinski of Newton, MA, Patricia Smith and her husband William of Harwinton, and Michael Bolinski of Waterbury; his sister Susan Hartman of Overland Park, Kansas; his brother Frederick P. Bolinski and his wife Janine of Northamptonshire, England; two grandchildren, Liam and Ella Smith; several nieces and nephews; and his former wife, Mary (Brophy) Bolinski.

Family and friends may call on Saturday, November 2, 2019 from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. at Bergin Funeral Home, 290 E. Main St., Waterbury. Military honors will be accorded at the conclusion of the calling hours. Burial will be held privately.

His family would like to thank the medical staff and caregivers at the Foothills VNA (especially Sarah Minervino), Eldercare, and the Community Living Center (South Harbor) at the West Haven VA Medical Center.

In lieu of flowers, as John’s favorite outing was a swing to the local library, memorial contributions may be made to the Harwinton Library, https://www.harwintonlibrary.org/donate/; Foothills VNA (non-profit nursing services)homecare@foothillsvna.org; and Glioblastoma Foundation (non-profit research and treatment) https://glioblastomafoundation.org
 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.