SGM (Ret) Ladislaus John Sacharko,
Ladislaus John Sacharko, 94, of New Britain, husband to the late Maureen O’Keefe Sacharko, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2022 with his loving family by his side. Ladislaus was born in New Britain to the late Jan (John) Sacharko and Justyna Bulach. He attended Sacred Heart School and graduated from New Britain High School.
He is predeceased by Justyna and Jan Sacharko, brothers Casmier, Walter, Frank, Aloisius, Stanley, Andy, Theodore, Ceslaus, and his sisters Verna Jones and Sister Mary Raphael.
He is survived by his loving children: Ladislaus Jr. of Chaplin CT, Leslie Suydam and husband Scott of Farmington, Michael Sacharko and wife Debbie of West Hartford. Grandchildren: Erin Dolch and husband Scott, Teri Rheault and husband Scott, Michael Sacharko Wilkinson and husband Craig, Jan Michael Sacharko and Rene Aldrich, Hannah Morales and husband Joshua. Great grandchildren: Riley, Mason, Teagan, Harper, Audrey and Dillon. His brother in law Joseph O’Keefe Jr. and wife Pat and Sister in law Claire Brennan as well as many nieces and nephews. He also leaves many special friends he considered family,
Ladislaus was variously known by his nick-name Ted, his familial name Uncle Vladz. Ted enjoyed fishing and hunting with son Michael, which just didn’t happen enough because he was such a busy guy with both Laddie and Michael between Cub Scouts Pack 75 and Boy Scouts. He was very involved with daughter Leslie and wife Maureen and their “Beehive” antiques business doing research and repairs and transporting them to antique shows all over Connecticut. He loved day tripping to Newport aka Wally World with the grandchildren. They were the loves of his life. He smiled every minute he was with them. He was so proud of each of the grandchildren. Always asking what the kids are up to.
He was a very devoted member of the Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in New Britain. Ted and his wife Maureen were active fundraisers for the Church providing entertainment with the Mr. and Mrs. Club shows and dances with members who became his lifelong friends. He led the decoration of the Church Altar for Christmas and holidays by putting up the trees and lights and setting up Creche. Ted and Maureen were presented the St. Joseph Medal of Appreciation by the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Hartford.
He loved playing Golf with His Belvedere Golf League at the Stanley Municipal Golf Course. Ted kept score and scheduled matches for the League, and won a few games too, but mostly collected lost balls.
His love of gardening challenged him to grow something giant, always trying to grow the biggest tomato or the biggest pumpkin. He was successful growing a few pumpkins over 100 lbs.
Sergeant Major Ladislaus Sacharko began his 38 yearlong military career immediately following High School when he proudly enlisted into the US Marine Corps. He bragged about that until his dying day. He was discharged after less than a month for health reasons. Ted promptly enlisted in the Connecticut Army National Guard as a private, and was accepted into the First Officer’s Candidate School Class 01 and graduated a 2nd Lieutenant.
In 1950, his New Britain CT Army National Guard Unit was mobilized for war, and in January he and his wife (yes officer’s wives could accompany) off first to Blackstone, VA for mobilization training, and then to Germany as part of the Army of Occupation during the Korean War. On return and demobilization, Ted resumed his part time soldier duties in the 169th Infantry Bn. He went back to work full time as a Store Manager for First National Stores. Ted was promoted to Captain, and the Major before taking a break in his military duties.
Returning to the Guard first again as a part time soldier, Sergeant First Class Sacharko soon began a new career as a National Guard Technician in the full time force. With steady promotions and high praise for performance of his duties, Sergeant Major Sacharko worked in the Office of Plans and Training. He retired from Technician Service with 20 years and with a total Military Service of 38 years in 1989.
Ted kept his feet in service, joining the 169th Infantry Regiment Veterans Corps, Inc., he served as the organization’s business manager as the Post Adjutant, and then as Commander. He also served in the New Britain Council of Veterans, coordinating the activities of many, various war time veterans groups in the city. Lastly he served as Commissioner of Veterans’ Affairs for the City of New Britain. SGM (RET) organized the Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day parade and decoration of more than a dozen veterans’ monuments and memorials around the city for a decade.
He was one of the most patriotic people you could ever meet. If he could do anything for any soldier he would do it no matter what.
After retirement he and Maureen loved to travel with friends and family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Stanley Street, New Britain at 10:00 am with interment services with full military honors to follow at St. Mary Cemetery, Stanley Street, New Britain. Friends and family are invited to call upon Ladislaus’ family at New Britain Memorial & Donald D. Sagarino Funeral Home, 444 Farmington Avenue, New Britain on Monday, May 9, 2022 from 4:00-7:00pm as well as prior to the Mass on Tuesday from 9:00-9:30am. For an online memorial, please visit www.NewBritainSagarino.com.