East Granby Obituary: Alexander Antiuk, 90

Alexander Antiuk, 90, beloved husband, father, Poppy, and “The best bulldozer operator ever” as well as longtime resident of East Granby, died at home on February 7, 2016.

Al was born on January 19, 1926, to Hilar and Maria (Pilipets) Antiuk in West Hartford. The son of Ukrainian immigrants, he grew up during the Depression and attended Bloomfield schools. During World War II, he proudly served his country while deployed to the Philippines with the U.S. Army 29th Engineer Battalion. Upon returning to the U.S., he met and married the love of his life, Helen Theresa Kupec. They were married for 62-years and had two children. He also started his own successful construction business, Antiuk Construction Company, which he operated for 45 years.

But in reality, Al never retired. He was always in motion, and loved the outdoors. Even in his final years, if he wasn’t fixing up old tractors or snow-blowers, he was tending his garden, chopping wood, or canning vegetables. Al was a life-long learner with a strong work ethic and sense of civic responsibility, all of which he instilled in his family. His favorite books and movies were historical, and many summers were spent visiting Civil War battlegrounds throughout the East Coast with his wife Helen. The pair loved to travel, visiting most of the U.S. states, including Alaska and Hawaii.

Al was a volunteer firefighter with the East Granby Fire Department for over ten years. The bedrock of his family, he was known for his wisdom, charm, and smile that would light up a room. The man with the sky-blue eyes usually got his way, and everyone loved him for it. He will be sorely missed.

Al leaves two children, Kyle Spears (Brian), and Keith Antiuk (Carol), both of East Granby, as well as siblings Anna Chapman, George Antiuk, and Martin Antiuk. He was predeceased by his wife, Helen; and five siblings. He was a loving grandfather to seven adoring grandchildren: RaeJean Stokes (Nick) currently in Kyiv, Ukraine; Brent Spears (Melissa) of Chicopee, MA; Sara Payette (Eric) of Southwick, MA; Matthew Spears of Mashpee, MA; Alicia Antiuk; Amber Antiuk currently in Bologna, Italy; and Jeremy Antiuk (Samantha) of East Granby. He had five great-grandchildren. He was also cousin, uncle, great-uncle, godfather, “out-law,” and friend to countless others, including dogs Miller and Ford.

Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Friday, February 12 from 4-7 PM, at Carmon Poquonock Funeral Home, 1816 Poquonock Ave. Windsor. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Saturday, February 13, 10 AM at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at 1747 Poquonock Ave, Poquonock. Burial with full military honors will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Windsor Locks.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the East Granby Volunteer Fire Department, 7 Memorial Drive, East Granby, CT 06026 or the Granby Ambulance Association, P.O. Box 617, Granby CT 06035.

To leave on-line condolences please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.