Edmond H. Kureczka Sr., 97, a lifelong resident of Hartford and former Deputy Chief of the city’s Fire Department, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, April 17, 2017 after a long, full and distinguished life of service to his country, city and cherished family.

Ed was born in Hartford in 1919 to Blanche and Frank Kureczka, one of eight children. He was the beloved husband of the late Margaret (Blake) Kureczka of Hartford, who predeceased him in 2009. Together for 61 years, they each married the love of their lives and happily raised six children. They were further blessed with nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A decorated WWII veteran, Ed served in the Army from 1941-1945 and was a member in the 169th Infantry, 43rd Division. Ed served in the Northern Solomon Islands, Guadalcanal, New Guinea and Luzon and was awarded the American Defense Services Medal and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star.

After his military service, Ed joined the Hartford Fire Department in 1950 and steadily rose through the ranks. He was named Lieutenant in 1960, Captain in 1968, and Deputy Chief in 1979. During his career he was cited for countless acts of bravery and saved many lives. He retired in 1986 and enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas and Saratoga Springs annually with his wife. He was an avid New York Mets fan, Jeopardy watcher and raced his wife every morning to solve the New York Times crossword puzzle.

He is survived by one sister, Irene Markowski, of Suffield, CT and five of his six children: Gary Kureczka and his wife, Mary, of Hartford; Kathleen Gold and her husband, Richard, of South Windsor; Andrea Kureczka of Longmeadow, MA; Ed’s wife Rita Kureczka of Essex Junction, VT; Margaret Roy and her husband, Steven, of South Windsor, and Susan Green and her husband Steven, of North Reading, MA. In 2003, he was predeceased by his son, Lieutenant Edmond Kureczka Jr.

He leaves nine grandchildren: Thomas Adams of South Windsor; Brian Adams and his wife, Jill, of Quincy, MA; Blake Emerson and his wife, Jocelyn, of Bristol; Elizabeth Roy of Windsor Locks; Abigail Roy of Milford, MA; Alicia Kureczka of Boston, MA; Edmond H. Kureczka III of Burlington, VT; Sara Green of Washington D.C. and Samantha Green of Chicago IL. He also leaves five great-grandchildren: Cynthia, Javier, Blake Jr. Emerson and Haddie Mae, and Holly Paige Adams and many nieces and nephews.
A mass of Christian burial and celebration of his extraordinary life will be held on Friday April 21, 2017 at 10:00 am in Sacred Heart Church 56 Hartford Ave., Wethersfield, CT. Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery. 453 Fairfield Ave. Hartford. Friends are invited to visiting hours at Farley Sullivan Funeral Home, 34 Beaver Rd., in Wethersfield on Thursday April 20, 2017 from 4:00 to 7:00. To extend online condolences, please visit www.farleysullivan.com.