Samuel George Kelmelis

Samuel George Kelmelis of Harwinton, CT passed away on May 16, 2017 at the age of 95.  He was born in Torrington, CT to Martha (Wasilauskas) and William Kelmelis. He passed peacefully in his sleep. 

Samuel was a veteran of WWII beginning in February of 1943.  He received numerous medals  including Bronze stars for the New Guinea Campaign, Philippine Liberation Ribbon and Bronze Star, Bronze Arrowhead in Manila, and Bronze Stars for Asiatic-Pacific Campaign, Northern Solomons, and Luzon Campaign along with many other awards and medals.

Along with his love of his country was his much stronger love for his family.  He was predeceased by his wife Anna Kelmelis (Karwoski) of 61 years.  He had three children Theresa McKeen of Blue Eye, Mo.,Marianne Derichsweiler of Kingwood Texas, and Gregory Kelmelis of Tolland, MA; seven grandchildren, Veronica Kelly, Kara Anderson, Saige Kelmelis, Samuel Kelmelis, Lillian Kelmelis, Jason Derichsweiler, and Justin Derichsweiler.  He also leaves his brother Edward Kelmelis of Harwinton, CT.

He was employed by O&G Industries of Torrington, CT for over 30 years. He was hired prior to the flood of 1955 and retired in 1988. 

He spent the remainder of his life caring for his wife and family. 

A Mass will be held on June 1st at St. Joseph’s Church in Winsted, CT at 10:00 am. Memorial contributions may be sent to Our Lady of Hope Church78 Litchfield Rd Harwinton, CT 06791 in his name