It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Jaroslaw Eugeniusz Kapij, a devoted husband, beloved father, cherished friend, and a remarkable individual who touched the lives of so many. Jaroslaw, who went by Jerry, was born on October 6, 1931, in Busk, Ukraine, to Yulia and Vasil Kapij. He grew up in Busk, the youngest of six brothers, the three oldest from his mother’s first marriage.
He began studying photography as a young man, then later trained to become a licensed electrician. With his wife and young daughter he fled Soviet-occupied Ukraine to the United States. Here he worked as an electrician, most recently before retirement for the Hartford Board of Education.
He and his wife were devout parishioners of Saint Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church in Hartford. Jerry often travelled to Ukraine and was remiss that he could not go again. He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, sense of humor, and unwavering love.
Jerry was the original “MacGyver,” with the ability to fashion quick repairs and home improvements from just about anything. Not only handy, he was also usually the first to lend a hand to anyone in need. His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched.
A devoted father, Jerry was the pillar of strength and love for his family. He is survived by his wife Zofia “Sonia” Kapij, his daughter Donna Messenger (husband John), son Mark Kapij (wife Heather Stephenson), and his granddaughters Tanya Messenger and Any.
