Peter Joseph Lenart, 80, of Killingworth entered rest Jan. 19 in Hartford Hospital with his loving family by his side. He was the devoted husband of 56 years to Gladys (Krupa) Lenart. He was born in Derby on May 28, 1940, son of the late Peter Paul Lenart and Bronyslawa “Bertha” (Dzuiba) Lenart.
Peter graduated from St. Michael School, Fairfield Prep and University with a bachelor of science in physics. After graduating, he accepted a position as a physicist with the New London Naval Underwater System Center, where he was employed until his retirement in 1996. Peter was a member of both the Dick Waylonis and John Both orchestras playing accordion and arranging music. He was also a member of St. Michael Church in Derby and a founding member of St. Lawrence Church in Killingworth where he was Eucharistic minister and member of the Parish Council. He was president of Polish Falcons of America (PFA) Nest 208 and District 5 communications director. He was recently inducted into the PFA Legion of Honor. He also was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Club as well as the New England Fraternal Alliance. In Killingworth, he was a little league coach and served on and chaired the board of the Killingworth Parks & Recreation Commission in the 1970s. He was an avid brewmeister and had a passion for languages.
He is the beloved father of Joseph Lenart, loving grandfather of Chase Lenart, and beloved guardian for years to Susan Kujawa Ferlita and Christopher Kujawa. He is also survived by two sisters, Theresa (Nat) Wadsworth and Mary Ann (Bruce) Margine; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Alice (Tim) Kujawa.
Visitation was held Jan. 24 at the Edward F. Adzima Funeral Home, Derby. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated Jan. 25 in St. Michael Church, Derby, followed by burial at St. Michael Cemetery, Derby. A memorial service will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dr. T.A. Starzynski Scholarship Fund, the Polish Falcons of America, 1016 Green Tree Road, Suite 201, Pittsburgh, PA 15220.
Online condolences can be left for Peter’s family at www.adzimafh.com.
