Joseph D. Koniushesky

Joseph D. Koniushesky, 77, of Cromwell, CT, died peacefully on March 25, 2024 after a strong battle with cancer.  

Joe was born on August 29, 1946 and raised in New Britain, CT.  He graduated from Pulaski High School, and went on to play basketball at Quinnipiac College after receiving a scholarship in 1964.   

Joe was the best teacher around.  He taught fifth grade at Hubbard Elementary School in East Berlin for 36 years.  He had lunch every day with his students and would take them on his own time to the shoreline in the summers to teach hands-on biology.  To this day, his students call him their idol. 

Joe worked at Tunxis Golf Club for many years and played that course thousands of times with his buddies.  He loved coaching basketball at Plainville High, Sacred Heart School, Western Connecticut State University, and golf and basketball at Quinnipiac College.  Most recently, he was proud to coach his 10 year old grandson’s basketball team in Berlin.  

His dearest loves are his wife, children, grandchildren, many friends, his golf game and his beautiful home and property that he cared for meticulously.  From the day his grandchildren were born, he would call ahead to find out what outfit they were wearing.  Joe (aka Jadgie) would show up in matching colors or a sweatshirt of their sports team or school so they looked like twins. They adored their Jadgie.

Joe is a man of extreme integrity, kindness, and loyalty.  He always followed through with his word and made everyone around him feel so very important.  If Joe considered you a friend, you are one of the lucky ones. 

Joe is survived by his wife of 25 years, Cynthia (Contino) Koniushesky; his daughter and son in law, Janelle and Eric Bartolomucci and grandchildren Joshua and Hope Salzman of Milford, NH; and his daughter, Carrie Tucker and grandson Devon Tucker of Berlin, CT.  Also surviving are extended family and so many friends who will carry on his memory. Joe is predeceased by his father and mother, Anthony and Hedwig and his sister Carol.  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 9:30 AM directly at Sacred Heart Church in New Britain. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Calling hours are Friday, April 5, 2024 from 4-7 PM at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home of Berlin, 111 Chamberlain Hwy., Berlin.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Joseph and Anthony Manzi Foundation, 192 Harvest Hill Road, Kensington, CT 06037. 

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