Henry Kmietek, 99, of Higganum, formerly of Middletown, husband of Margaret (Priest) Pytlik Kmietek, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 11th, at Middlesex Hospital. Born in Middletown, Ct July 15th, 1923 son of the late Louis Kmietek and Mary (Belniak) Kmietek-Koba. Henry was a proud Navy veteran serving in WWII as a Radio-man Gunner on the aircraft carrier USS WASP and enjoyed telling tales of his Navy days. Prior to retirement, Henry was employed with Middletown Public Schools in the maintenance and audio-visual departments.

He was a talented and skilled wood craftsman and his handmade treasures continue to be family keepsakes. He was an avid fan of UCONN Women's basketball and his biggest enjoyment in life was spending time with family.

Henry was the last survivor of nine brothers, predeceased by Frank, Stanley, Edward, Joseph, Alexander, Raymond, Louis, and Frederick. Henry was predeceased by his first wife Rose Sosenko Kmietek. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Margaret Pytlik Kmietek, his daughter Deborah Hull and husband Anthony, son Richard Kmietek, grandchildren Jennifer DiMauro and husband Vito, Jacquelyn (Singarella) Ogibowski and husband Karol, great grandchildren Enzo and Anthony DiMauro, Gino Singarella, Adam and Mason Ogibowski. Henry is also survived by his dear sister in-law Barbara Lee and husband Tim, along with many nieces and nephews.

Through his marriage to Margaret, Henry is survived and was dearly loved by her Pytlik children. Bobbie, Donna, Bill, Jodie (Bob), Jo-Ann (Jeff) and Steven. Also, grandchildren, Melanie (Rawn), Farrah (Kelly), Seth (Lisa), Lukas (Rachel) and Kody. Breanne (Dean), Will, Jamie, Maggie and several great grandchildren.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday February 21 ^st at 11 a.m. at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St. Middletown.  Burial with military honors will follow at the State Veterans' Cemetery.  Family and friends may gather prior to the service on Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. at Biega Funeral Home. Those who wish may send memorial contributions in Henry's memory to the Haddam Veterans' Museum, 671 Little City Rd., Higganum, CT 06441. To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.