Nicholas M. Switchenko

Nicholas Michael Switchenko, 89, of Willimantic, died peacefully Monday, June 13, 2011 at St. Joseph Living Center surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Willimantic on January 3, 1922, the son of the late Victor and Mary (Baronosky) Switchenko. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Therese (Kehl) Switchenko of Willimantic. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his five sons and their families: Daniel and his wife Kimberly of Willimantic and their children Nicholas and Kathryn; John and his wife Gail of Columbia and his children Nora and David; Stephen and his daughter Lily; Peter and his wife Patricia of Harwich, Massachusetts and their children Jeffrey and Sarah; and Arthur and his wife Margaret of Sunnyvale, California and their children Stephen, Nathan and Ellen. He was predeceased by his brothers Michael and Arthur and sisters Marie Blain and Helen Yorczyk. He also leaves behind many loved ones including brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and friends. The family wishes to thank the staff at St. Joseph Living Center for their wonderful support and care. Nick graduated from Windham High School in 1941, where he was a proud member of the state championship basketball team. He served in WWII where he spent three years in the United States Navy (1943 -1946) on the USS Destroyer Gleaves. He then was employed as a lineman for 36 years at Connecticut, Light & Power retiring in 1984. He loved gardening, the beach, UConn basketball teams and the Red Sox. He was a communicant of St. Joseph Church where he served as an usher for many years. Nick was a member of the Willimantic Elks Lodge No. 1311, where he was recently honored for his long-time membership of 62 years. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He lived a long and happy life and will be missed very much. His family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday June 16th between 4:00 and 7:00 PM at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson Street (Route 195) , Willimantic. His Funeral Mass will be held at 10 AM on Friday, June 17th at St. Joseph Church, 99 Jackson Street, Willimantic with assembly directly at the church. Memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph Church Renovation Fund, 99 Jackson St., Willimantic, CT. 06226. For online memorial guestbook, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com .