Walter Paul Kaminski Sr.

Walter P. Kaminski, Sr. passed away peacefully on October 16, 2021. He was born in Norwich, CT on Sept. 27, 1923 to Charles and Josephine (Rutkowski) Kaminski. He lived to celebrate his 98th birthday.

Walter was a lifelong resident of Norwich. He graduated from Norwich Free Academy in 1941. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1942 and served for the duration of WWII. He served in Kodiak, AK and aboard the USS Cape Gloucester, and at the Battle of Okinawa. He was honorably discharged in November 1945.

During the war he married Catherine A. Morell in Tacoma, WA in January 1945.

Upon his return to civilian life, he resided in Norwich with his wife. He worked construction and as a mason on several area buildings. He also worked for Robert Geer and Continental Can until he and his wife purchased Laurel Gift & Card Shoppe in downtown Norwich in the mid-seventies. They also ran the Whistle Stop Craft & Hobby Store in Groton, CT.

He was a past President of the Norwich Downtown Association during the 1980’s. He and his wife witnessed the decline of the downtown shopping area but held out hope it would return.

He is survived by his children; Kathleen (Doug) Relyea of Norwich, W. Paul Kaminski, Jr. of Jupiter, Fl., John (Linda) Kaminski of Norwich. Grandchildren; Carolyn (Tom) Impellitteri; Laura (Russell) DeMontigny; Matthew J. Kaminski; a great grandson, two step grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife Catherine in February 1998.

The funeral will be at 9 a.m. Monday October 25, 2021 from Labenski Funeral Home, 107 Boswell Avenue to a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick Cathedral, 213 Broadway, Norwich CT.

Internment with military honors will be following the mass at St. Joseph Cemetery, Boswell Avenue Norwich.

Calling hours are 5 to 7 on Sunday. Oct 24.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to St. Patrick School or Cathedral.