Charles Joseph Murkowicz

Charles Joseph Murkowicz, 92, a lifelong resident of Windsor Locks, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2014, at his home.

Charles was born the youngest son of the late Paul and Anna (Petrowski) Murkowicz. Charlie attended Union School, Windsor Locks High School, and the Hartford Regional Trade School, where he studied electronics, which he eventually made his career. At the age of 18 Charles was drafted into the U.S. Army's 1st Infantry Division, which ended his work at Colt Manufacturing. Charlie served with his Division in Africa, Sicily, England, and France, where he and several other soldiers were captured near the town of St. Ann. After a month-long journey, Charlie and the others spent 11 months in Stalag IV-B until he was liberated about a week before the war ended. After returning home, Charlie was honorably discharged and was the recipient of the Purple Heart and 3 battle stars. Charlie was a life member of the VFW Smalley Brothers Post 6123 and the American Legion Gensi-Viola Post 36 and a faithful communicant of St. Robert Bellarmine Church of Windsor Locks. Once discharged, Charlie was employed at Pratt & Whitney, the Federal Aviation Agency, and the Naval Underwater System Center, from which he retired.

Charlie loved to farm at the family homestead. Since he began farming, Charlie has never missed a growing season, including last summer. Charlie enjoyed selling his fruits, vegetables and eggs from his front yard, as well as selling them at Farmer's Markets. For many years, he also had a large "crop" of sunflowers, which could easily be seen from the road. Charlie also had geese roaming the farmland as well as his dogs. His favorite dog was Mindy and she enjoyed a McDonald's cheeseburger for lunch on almost a daily basis.

He was wonderful to his family and friends and was extremely interesting to talk to, as he enjoyed talking about the old days. Although Charlie never married, he did love and enjoy his extended family. Charlie hosted 4th of July parties at the family farm. On July 4, 2012, Charlie was proud to host the 100th Anniversary of the Murkowicz Farm. Uncle Charlie was a favorite uncle to many of his nieces and nephews and will be greatly missed by them.

Charlie leaves his brother, Walter Murkowicz of Windsor Locks; and his sisters, Jean Gatting of Martha's Vineyard and Bertha Talbot of Windsor. Charlie also leaves a special friend, Connie Hamilton of Great Barrington, Mass. Charlie was predeceased by his brothers Frank, Aleck and Michael; and his sisters Mary Christensen, Kathryn Gatting, Christina Elder and Helen Pascoe.

Relatives and friends are invited to join the family on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2014, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Windsor Locks Funeral Home, 441 Spring St., Windsor Locks.

A funeral procession will gather on Monday, Feb. 10, 2014, at 9 a.m. at the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10 a.m. at St. Robert Bellarmine Church, 52 South Elm St. Burial with military honors will be held in St. Mary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675.

For online expressions of sympathy or directions please visit

www.windsorlocksfuneralhome.com