Alphonse David Ladyga

Alphonse Ladyga, 88, of Waterbury, passed away peacefully, on August 6, 2019, surrounded by his loving family, while at home. He was the widower of the late Ruth (Kazakavage) Ladyga.

He was born in Waterbury, on September 1, 1930, the loving son of the late Constantin and Patricia Ladyga. He was the last surviving of four siblings.

Alphonse was a military veteran, having been drafted in the United States Army from 1952-1954, serving with the KMAG in Korea. Upon his "Honorable Discharge," he the continued on with the U.S. Army Reserves for an additional six years.

He worked for Uniroyal Chemical as a Lab Supervisor, and received the "Golden Handshake" when he was 52 years old. He then returned to Uniroyal Chemical as a consultant for many years, until his wife took ill. Alphonse was devoted to caring for his wife, until her death in 2002.

Alphonse continued on with many careers in his retirement years, including as a "driver" for multiple car dealerships, and as a "Project Manager" for a job in Washington, CT -  to mention a few. He was also extremely proud to be an "Honorary Member" of the Cricket Club.

What he enjoyed most was spending time with his family, and his love for food - especially his "salad." Many "Thanks" to "Chef," Joe Gallant, for the many weekly meals that he prepared for Alphonse. 

Alphonse was dedicated to his parish, First Lutheran Church, where he married his wife of 49 years. He took every "new" Pastor under his wing. You could always find him every Saturday with the guys from the church, having their "coffee hour," then continuing on to do any repairs that needed to be done at the church.

He loved his visits with his "Buddy," Bentley, his "grandson dog," who knew exactly who to go to for his treats.

Alphonse always looked for the good in everyone. He will be Greatly Missed by All who were blessed to have known and loved him. 

Left to remember, cherish, and honor Al's memory are: his daughter, Karen Sheehy, son and his wife, David and Rebecca Ladyga, grandchildren; Tony, Megan, Ryan, David Jr., and Derek, great-grandchildren; Jason, Jionni, Natalia, and Roderick, his nieces, Kim Wills-Rinaldi, Linda Rickevicius, his nephew Kevin Wills, and Al’s companion of many years, Eileen Kassheimer.

Many Thanks to Rebecca Ladyga and daughter Karen Sheehy for being his primary caregivers, and making it possible for Alphonse to remain in the comfort of his own home, we would also like to thank the Cross of Christ Church members for the “Meal Train” Seasons Hospice and all of our family and friends for the love and support you gave us during this difficult time.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9 am, on October 5, 2019, at the Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, 1555 Hamilton Ave., Waterbury, followed by an 11 am Graveside Service, with Full Military Honors, at the State Veteran's Cemetery, 317 Bow Lane, Middletown, CT.

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