WILTON- Cornelius T. “Connie” Kohler, 87, passed away on Saturday, December 17, 2016 at Wilton Meadows Healthcare Center in Wilton, CT. He was the loving and devoted husband of Sondra Kohler, who predeceased him just 64 days ago on October 14, 2016. The couple was married for fifty seven years.
Mr. Kohler was born on December 31, 1928 in Bridgeport, CT and was the son of the late Anna (Lynch) and Cornelius Kohler. Connie was a graduate of Central High School in Bridgeport and attended the University of Bridgeport.
He served as Private First Class in the United States Army from 1951-1953, and was a Disabled American Veteran. Connie loved sports and after the Army returned to Bridgeport and umpired for various Women’s Softball and Men’s Baseball games, and also refereed for Men’s Basketball.
Upon marrying Sondra, Connie and his bride made their home in Monroe, CT for 14 years. In 1973 their family relocated to Cheshire, CT. Connie was employed as a Route Salesman. In addition to his active membership in the Cheshire Lion’s Club, Connie was a member of the Cheshire Army Airforce Roundtable. During his retirement Connie dedicated many years to volunteering with such organizations as the Special Olympics. Most notably Connie was a devoted volunteer for the Connecticut Police Academy Bookstore. He assisted many Police cadets from both the State Police and local police departments with their very first uniforms, and other police clothing items. Connie is still remembered and beloved by many Police officers currently serving. He and his wife Sondra loved basketball and were very enthusiastic UCONN Huskie’s Women’s Basketball Fans. In 2002 they attended the NCAA Women's Division I Basketball Tournament in San Antonio, TX. The joy of Connie’s life was spending time with his wife, family, and especially his grandson’s, who he regularly drove to school, sports practices and music lessons. In addition Connie and Sondra could always be found at one of the boys’ games or concerts.
Mr. Kohler is survived by his daughter Lisa and her husband Howard Chubinsky of Wilton, CT; two grandsons Michael Chubinsky of New York City and Eric Chubinsky of Wilton, CT.
Arrangements- A calling hour for Mr. Kohler will be held 10 A.M, Wednesday, December 21, 2016, at The Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 South Main Street, 06410, until his procession leaves for an 11 A.M graveside service at Cheshire Hillside Cemetery, Wallingford Road, 06410. Donations in Connie’s name may be made to the American School for the Deaf, 139 N Main St, West Hartford, CT 06107.