Obituary of John Karlak
John S. Karlak, 67, of Naugatuck, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on November 8, 2019 at Waterbury Hospital. He was the devoted husband of Teresa “Tere” (Martin) Karlak for over 42 years.
John was born April 18, 1952 in Derby, CT a son of the late John J. Karlak and Agnes (Nagy)Karlak. He graduated from UCONN, Storrs with a Bachelor’s degree in Geography. He remained an avid UCONN Huskies fan for life, particularly the Connecticut Huskies Women’s Basketball team. He was known to many as “John the Mailman”, and was a friendly face to all every day. His wonderful family, friends and neighbors enjoyed his meticulous vegetable garden as well as his fabulous cooking. He enjoyed reading about history as well as the books by J.R.R.Tolkien and Tom Clancy, and watching movies with his sons. John loved planning exciting vacations with his family. He was a talented clarinet player in the 2nd Company Governor’s Foot Guard Band for over 20 years and the Naugatuck Community Band. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
John is survived by his wife, Tere, and sons Nicholas of Groton and Christopher of Thomaston, his sister Elizabeth (Steven) Stohl of Southbury, several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who were like family to him.
John is predeceased by his daughter Kathleen “Katie” Karlak.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, November 14, 2019 at 10 am at St Anthony’s Church, 4 Union City Rd., Prospect. Burial will immediately follow at All Saints Cemetery 203 Spring Lake Rd., Waterbury. Calling hours will be held Wednesday from 5 to 7 pm. at Prospect Memorial Funeral Home 72 Waterbury Rd., Prospect.
John’s family would like to thank his sister Betty for her tireless and loving care of John during his illness, his doctors Dr. Chang and Dr. Katoch and nurses Karen APRN, Melissa and all the caring staff of The Harold Leever Cancer Center. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Harold Leever Cancer Center, 1075 Chase Parkway, Waterbury, CT. 06708
