BETHEL — Harry S. Kuzyk, 95, of Bethel, passed away Sunday, Aug. 28, at his home.

Harry was born and brought up in New York City, a second-generation Ukrainian, and his parents, George and Mary, came to the U.S. straight from the Old Country. He had one sister, Irene, and one brother, John, both deceased.

He met and married Barbara Lyon (deceased) and they had one son, Peter, who married Linda Tracy (Kuzyk). He loved his grandchildren and step-grandchildren, Daniel Kuzyk, Rebecca Stasny, Elizabeth Kuzyk and her companion, Angel Ruidiaz, Christopher Torrey and his companion, Kristen Cameron, Cynthia Torrey and her husband, Ryan Brown. He also had a special place in his heart for his great-grandchildren and step-great-grandchild, Isabel Stasny, Aryanna Kuzyk, Neako Ruidiaz and Nadia Brown.

As a young man, he joined the Merchant Marines when the Second World War broke out. On his first trip out, his ship was torpedoed and sunk. Harry was one of the last men off the ship because, as the radio man, he had to send out SOS signals as long as possible. He visited many ports and could tell detailed and colorful stories about his experiences.

Harry worked at Raytheon as a quality control engineer. Nights would find him at Northeastern University taking courses to better himself. Harry was a voracious reader, the epitome of an eager lifelong learner. He had many and varied interests over the years. He read the entire Bible, many passages several times, and could quote the Scriptures with ease.

In his later years, one of his favorite pastimes was watching old Westerns. Last, but not least, it’s important to mention his faithful companion, Shadow, his standard poodle whom he loved dearly.

This incredible man will be sorely missed. He was the “Rock” of the family, the go-to guy if one had a question about nearly anything and everything. His passing will leave an enormous void in his family’s heart and mind.

Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.chandlerfunerals.com.