Adolph Kazemekas

Adolph J. Kazemekas, 96, of Jacksonville, FL, formerly of Naugatuck, Connecticut and Zanesville, Ohio; died on Thursday, October 8th , 2009 of complications from Alzheimer’s Disease. Born July 2nd, 1913 in Waterbury, CT, the youngest son of Kasimir Charles Kazemekas & Anna (Rubas) Kazemekas.

Adolph grew up in the Union City section of Naugatuck. After graduating from Naugatuck High School in 1933, he attended Mackenzie Prep School, Dobbs-Ferry, NY, on a football scholarship. He was accepted into Columbia University, but was unable to attend due to consequences of The Great Depression.

Before retiring in 1972 from the State of CT Excise Tax Division, Kazemekas served as the chief investigator for the Division, apprehending smugglers of liquor and cigarettes into Connecticut. Upon his retirement he received a letter of commendation from Governor Tom Meskill recognizing his 34 years of exemplary service, specifically within the Audit Division of the Tax Dept.

He was very active in the Connecticut State Employees Association serving in several leadership roles. He continued to be active in the CSEA Retirees Association, as a member and President.
Locally, Kazemekas was a 50+ year member of the Naugatuck Lodge of Elks, where he was once exalted ruler; an active member of the Connecticut Alzheimer’s Association; member and former usher at St. Francis Church; former president of the local chapter of the American Association of Retired Persons; and active member and former president of the Naugatuck Historical Society. The Kazemekas family played an important role in the success of the Lithuanian community in the Waterbury area in the early twentieth century. His father founded the Brooklyn Baking Company, The Kazemekas and Sons Bank, several saloons in Waterbury, Naugatuck, and Bridgeport, and rental properties. Adolph Kazemekas initiated the Trinity Fund at the Naugatuck Historical Society to be used to establish the Society’s headquarters in the former Uniroyal Building number 25, the only building remaining from the rubber industry days in Naugatuck.

In addition to these activities, he loved the arts. He acted in high school productions and local community theatre in his younger years. In the 1950’s he represented the portrait artist, Major Guinness and enjoyed a friendship with Stewart Klonis, former director of The Art Students League. Inspired by these men, he created lovely oil paintings. He thoroughly enjoyed exploring art shows and museums his entire life. He instilled this passion for the arts in his children and grandchildren.

Adolph appreciated the power of the intellect and psychic phenomenon which was aroused when he met the world famous clairvoyant, Edgar Cayce, through author and friend Thomas Sugrue. A Naugatuck native, Sugrue published the first book written about Cayce. Via this meeting, Adolph received a “life reading” which was a rare experience that he treasured. He maintained national membership and sponsored a Naugatuck study group in the Association for Research and Enlightenment for many years.

Surviving are his children, daughter Dr. Lynn Kazemekas, with whom he
made his home in Florida; his son, Charles (Bonita Scott) Kazemekas of Raynham, MA; daughter and son-in-law, Janet and Samuel Debray of Zanesville, OH and NYC, NY, and daughter and son-in-law, Dr. Victor and Kristy Szemetylo of Zanesville, OH; seven grandchildren, Joseph and Kevin Kazemekas of Massachusetts, Christopher (Dianne) Kazemekas of Georgia, and Natalie, Stephanie, Alexander, and Mark Szemetylo of Ohio; four great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Alyce Erickson; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, K. Charles & Anna Kazemekas, his wife of 30 years, Ellen (Erickson) Kazemekas ,brothers and sisters-in-law, Charles Kazemekas, Algird and Deborah (Quirke) Kazemekas, Edward and Frances Kazemekas; a grandson, Charles Kazemekas, Jr., and a daughter-in-law, Virginia (Blake) Kazemekas.

A memorial mass will be held at St Francis Church, 318 Church Street, Naugatuck, on Saturday, April 17th at 11am, followed by burial of his ashes at Grove Cemetery. There are no calling hours and the Buckmiller Brothers Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Ave, Naugatuck is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial donations may be made to: the Naugatuck Historical Society, P.O Box 317, Naugatuck, CT 06770
or the Howard Whittemore Public Library, 243 Church St., Naugatuck, CT 06770.

For more information and online condolences please logon to: www.buckmillerbrothers.com.