Obituary of Michael Shulewsky

Michael Shulewsky, 78, of Kensington died peacefully at home in the presence of his family on April 4, 2024. He was a loving husband to his wife of 50 years, Helena Melnyk Shulewsky, and a devoted father to his son Paul. He is also survived by his sister Maria Cezus of Concord, GA, brothers and sisters-in-laws, nieces and nephews, and cousins in both the U.S. and Ukraine.

Michael was born in Hanover, Germany to the late Eudokia and Wasyl Polak. He immigrated to the U.S. with his family in 1949. After the death of his father, Michael was adopted by his stepfather, Wasyl Shulewsky. The family settled in Willimantic, where Michael graduated from Windham High School. He then went on to receive his Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from the University of Connecticut in 1971 and his Master of Public Administration from the University of Hartford in 1974. Even after his schooling, he remained a lifetime learner and enjoyed studying religion, history, and astronomy. Prior to completing his education, he served in the U.S Air Force from 1966-1970 with distinction. He received the Pride Award and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant E-5.  

Michael was employed by the city of Hartford as a Project Leader with their Data Processing Department, retiring in 1993 due to the onset of Parkinson’s disease. Michael loved reading, classical music, and collecting stamps. He was a member of the Ukrainian Philatelic Society and contributed numerous research articles to their journal over the years. He also participated in displays for which he received countless awards.

Michael was a dedicated parishioner of St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Church in New Britian, where he served as a trustee for 25 years. He also served on the board of the Self Reliance Ukrainian Federal Credit Union in Hartford, in addition to serving as secretary of the Providence Association – Ukrainian Catholic Fraternal Organization for over 30 years in the New Britian branch. He shared his faith, culture, church, and community work with his wife, Helena. They enjoyed traveling together, from exploring Europe, seeing more of the United States, and cruising the Caribbean.

The family would like the express their gratitude to the VA, the Hospice of Hartford Healthcare, and all the home health professionals who cared for him.

Family and friends may call Monday April 8^th from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, with the Panakhyda Service at 6:30, at the Farrell Funeral Home, 110 Franklin Square, New Britian, CT. Funeral services will be celebrated Tuesday April 9^th at 9:00 AM at the funeral home, followed by a church service at 10:00 AM at St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Church, 303 Eddy Glover Boulevard, New Britian. Internment service with Military Honors will follow at St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, 1458 New London Turnpike, Glastonbury.

Donations may be made in Michael’s memory to St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Church.