Walter J. Kosky Jr.

KOSKY, JR., Walter "Terry" Joseph Walter "Terry" Joseph Kosky, Jr., 72, beloved husband and best friend of 43 years to Kerry Guptill Kosky passed away at home Monday morning (December 13, 2010) after a long, brave struggle with cancer. He was born December 31, 1937 to the late Harriet (Stone) Kosky and Walter J. Kosky, Sr. He grew up on Spring Street in Deep River and graduated from Valley Regional High School in 1955. In 1967 he became a reluctant sports fan to impress Kerry's grandfather and later became an avid fan of the Red Sox, Dallas Cowboys and UConn basketball and football. In 1977 after living in Manchester and Colonie, New York, Walter left working in corporate industry to restore antiques with and learn from two local antique dealers. He set out on his own in 1990, naming his business Benchmark. After three separate bouts with cancer Walter retired. His son David reopened the business as Benchmark Restoration LLC. Walter was one of the original members of the Muffin Korner/Cristy's breakfast club. He liked sharing social and political views, art, literature, travel and sports (Red Sox vs Yankees) with his friends. He said it was a happy way to start each day. He was well traveled; Ireland being his favorite, followed closely by Bermuda, Alaska, Hawaii, New Orleans and anywhere in the Caribbean. He was well read and loved his Kindle. Walter has been a friend of Bill W. for 44 years. Besides his parents, Walter was predeceased by his sister Ethel Kosky Guptill and his brother Dennis Gary Kosky. He is survived by his wife, Kerry; his son David and wife Sabrina, his grandson, Kyle Kosky of Natick, Mass, his granddaughter, Sage Kosky, of Wiscasset, Maine, his mother-in-law, Kathleen Griffin Guptill of Westbrook, his sister-in-law Patricia Jones Kosky of Chester; his brother-in-law Donald Guptill and wife Kristen of Old Saybrook. He is also survived by two nieces and five nephews. The family wishes to thank the many dear friends, neighbors and customers who reached out to Walter recently and during the summer and fall when he tried so hard to regain a normal life. They also wish to thank Dr. Peter Dixon for his physical and emotional support over the past twelve years. A memorial service will be held at the Westbrook Congregational Church on Saturday (December 18, 2010) at 11 a.m. Swan Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Friends and family may leave online condolences at www.swanfh.com. Walter requested that donations in his name could be made to: Brave Hearts, Kind Souls, 192 Westbrook Road, Essex, CT 06426 or Middlesex Hospital Home Care, 770 Saybrook Road, Middletown, CT 06457.