Hartford Obituary: Konyong Kwak, 80

Konyong Joseph Kwak, 80, of South Windsor, husband of Young (Suk) Kwak, passed away at his home on Wednesday, October 12, 2016.

Born in Korea, he came to the United States in 1966 and he lived in East Hartford before moving to South Windsor almost 40 years ago. Prior to his retirement, Konyong had a manager position with Hartford Steam Boiler in Hartford for many years. After his retirement, he was the bureau chief in Connecticut for The Korean Times, and he also worked part-time at Mr. Sparkle Car Wash as an accountant.

He was an active longtime member and retired church elder at the Hartford Korean United Methodist Church. He loved to sing and he sang in the church choir for many years and he became the choir director. He liked to play golf and was an avid Red Sox fan. Mr. Kwak was very active in the Korean community and he was the recipient of several awards, such as being honored by the National Unification Advisory Council as Korean of the Year in 2011, and recognized by Governor Dannel P. Malloy.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sister-in-law, Chae Kun Kwak of Glastonbury. He was predeceased by his first wife, Maude (Goff) Kwak and his brother, Kiyoung Kwak.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, October 18, 2016 from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home, 419 Buckland Road, South Windsor. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at 10 a.m. at the Hartford Korean United Methodist Church, 711 New Britain Avenue, Hartford. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Memorial Park, Rocky Hill.

For online condolences and guest book, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.