Obituary of Frank Konesky

Frank W. Konesky Jr., 86, EHPD 37 years (Ret.) of East Haven, passed away January 9, 2014. Born September 14, 1927 in New Haven to the late Frank and Mary (Griek) Konesky, Frank is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Faye (Faulkner) Konesky and four children; Frank W. Konesky III of Bellefonte, PA, Nancy Lynch (Jack) of Cheshire, Kathryn Zandri (Geno) of Wallingford, Sandra Leone (Anthony) of Aliso Viejo, CA., seven grandchildren; John, Jason and Jared Forselius, Tracey (David) Volturno, Carl Milano, Jr., Georgiana Konesky and Samantha Leone; nine great grandchildren; Daniel and Tyler Guastella, Gina and Kaitlyn Volturno, Elizabeth Nutter, Devon and Vincent Biancarelli-Milano, Maximus Milano, Jemma Forselius and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Edward, Kenneth and Richard Konesky, Ronald (John) Bryan and his great grandson, Anthony Volturno. Frank joined the East Haven Police Department as a supernumerary in 1950, appointed a Grade C Patrolman in 1951 and 10 years later was assigned to the newly-established detective bureau. Frank rose rapidly through the ranks; named Detective Lieutenant in 1964 and in 1970 to Inspector, third in command, charged with supervising the street patrol, detective division and internal affairs. Five times Frank won the EHPD’s highest honor; the Citation of Merit, an award bestowed only on officers whose performance either resulted in saving a life or a situation placing an officer’s own life in danger in the line of duty. Frank held more than 30 commendations from the police department, a distinction which earned him a Police Service Bar with Silver Star. He was a member of the seventeenth class of the National Crime Prevention Institute School of Police Administration at the University of Louisville, receiving his certification on March 27, 1975. During his career Frank handled delicate hostage situations and supervised riot control operations during a time of unrest along the shoreline area of Momauguin. Frank loved to travel, spend time with his family and adored his grandchildren and great grandchildren who shared the same feelings for their beloved “poppy”. Prior to the arrival of cable television, if there was an antenna on your roof chances are Frank installed it. If you needed a tree taken down, Frank was the man to do it. If you were moving Frank would show up with his truck, blankets, ropes, and tie downs. He has been known to load an entire apartment of furniture on his pickup truck and accomplish the move in one trip. He was notorious for making a trip to the town dump and coming home with more than what he took to dispose of. He was famous for his “polish handshake” with the grandchildren and great grandchildren, loved taking his “grand dogs” for a ride in his truck and for announcing a month ahead of time “don’t forget my birthday’s coming”. Each time he called one of his grandchildren on the phone he would greet them with “Hi, this is your grandfather Frank Konesky, 35 View Street, East Haven, CT, 06512, 467-7318” and from a very young age each grandchild when asked where their nana and poppy lived could recite their entire address from start to finish including telephone number. Frank’s family would like to thank Ron, Diane and Jan Bova for their loving friendship; Valerie, Katie, Nicky and Steven for always looking in on Uncle Frank and Aunt Faye; Sharon DiNuzzo for checking on Uncle Frank while on duty at the hospital and Mary Lord at Elim Park for assuring their loved one a comfortable stay. Frank “Frenchman” From the Latin root Francis; also from Franklin Puts enthusiasm into everything he does; someone who has a strong personality; he is as adventurous as a little boy; he believes in having a good time; he uses judgment with prudence and wisdom; glows most of the time; is as interested in others as others are interested in him; others follow his leadership for his wisdom. Knox Concepts Inc. Roseville, MI Frank’s goal was to make every minute of the day count; his acts of generosity and good will were beyond measure. Frank will be deeply missed by his family and many friends. Family will receive friends from 4 to 7 PM, Friday, January 17, 2014 at the Clancy Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Ave. East Haven. Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass for Frank on Saturday, January 18 at 10 AM in Our Lady of Pompeii Church, Foxon Road (Rte 80), East Haven. Burial at East Lawn Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you perform random acts of kindness in Frank’s memory to carry on his legacy.