Julius "John" Sakowicz

Julius "John" Sakowicz, 87, of Stratford, peacefully entered eternal life on Sunday January 24, 2021, at St. Vincent Medical Center in Bridgeport .  John was born in Charleston, West Virginia on Dec. 12, 1933, beloved son of the late Julius and AnnaMae (Kumek) Sakowicz.  John was a tool and dye maker at Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford for many years before retiring to care for his beloved Mother in the sunset of her life.  He had a passion for salt water fishing and while he was the captain of his own boat, his sister, Frances, was his first mate.  Although he wasn't blessed with children of his own, he devoted himself to his beloved nieces and nephews.  He cherished the memories of their many vacations together.  He enjoyed playing the doting uncle, but was ever mindful that vacations could be educational as well as entertaining.  John was the uncle who always showed up at family gatherings with enough lawn toys and sports equipment to keep everyone entertained.  He enjoyed board games, playing poker with his family, and listening to country music.  In his younger days he enjoyed playing the accordion. He had a close bond with all of his family and had a special admiration for the Mackowski and Bartram branches.  He looked forward to his Wednesdays with his sister, Alice.  They would shop and dine and enjoy each other's company for hours before finishing their day scanning the Stratford waterways for boats, using their trusty field glasses.  John was an honest, thoughtful, and caring gentleman who will be greatly missed by his devoted family and friends.  John was predeceased by his beloved sisters, Evelyn Dokla, of Shelton, and Frances Mackowski, of the Lordship section of Stratford.  He is survived by his cherished sister, Alice Paquette, and her husband, Arthur, of Seymour; brothers in law, Michael Dokla of Shelton, and Edward Mackowski, of the Lordship section of Stratford.  He is also survived by his adored nieces and nephews:  Mark Paquette; Renee (Paquette) Mazako and her husband, Henry; Matthew Paquette; Michelle (Dokla) Sedlock, and her husband, Joseph; Michael Dokla, and his wife, Joy; Kathleen Dokla; Edward Mackowski; Francine (Mackowski) Bartram, and her husband, James; and Sandra Mackowski.  Funeral Services, which are private, have been entrusted to the Anthony V. Chepulis Funeral Home, 47 Washington Ave. Seymour.  Graveside services and burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery, 1300 Stratford Rd. Stratford with Fr. Tom Walsh officiating.  In tribute to John's deep affection for his nieces and nephews, memorial donations may be made in his honor to Shriners Hospital for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607, or www.lovetotherescue.org .  To leave an online condolence please visit www.chepulisfuneralhome.com