Antoni Michalowski

Antoni Michalowski, age 81, passed away peacefully at his Fairfield residence on Friday, February 26, 2021. Antoni grew up outside Augustow, Poland where he earned a degree as a master tailor. His love for America was sealed when, at his aunt’s introduction, he met his soon- to- be bride, Lucyna, who moved from Poland to Southport, Connecticut. They married in Poland in 1969 but returned to share their love and life together in Fairfield. For 40 years, he created cherished garments for his loyal customers at the Antoni Michalowski Tailor Shop in Westport.

Antoni was a Renaissance man. With his talented hands, he perfected his tailoring trade. His skills extended beyond a mastery of his vocation. Intuitively, he identified with his devoted customers who rendered their stories about their precious garments. His modifications and redesigns spoke to his skills to individualize requests and astound customers with the finished magic he created.

Beyond his tailoring talents, Antoni’s abilities included skills in carpentry, plumbing, electrical and mechanical capabilities. Ever eager to keep a keen mind, he enjoyed reading, puzzles, and watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, a nightly family tradition. Nature and he had a distinctive bond whether he was immersed in gardening or strolling with his wife on their daily walks.

Antoni’s internal beauty grew from being a devout Catholic and devoting himself to his beloved family and friends. He planned the annual family summer vacation without fail. To him, the only way to enjoy traveling was with his wife and children. He looked forward to every holiday where he knew all his family members would gather and celebrate.

He expressed his love and devotion for Lucyna and his birthplace with their date night’s professional polka dancing. He demonstrated his card- playing acumen while enjoying poker with his wife and friends. Playing with his five grandchildren, his heart swelled with pride as he participated in the weekend’s most- anticipated fun in the backyard, on the soccer field, and at basketball games.

Humility was not the only part of Antoni’s personality that defined his extraordinary life. His compassion and diligence in his work extended to his home where he encouraged his children to excel at kindness, diligence, and resourcefulness.

The twinkle in his eyes, his warm, genuine smile, and his quiet greatness will endure through memories and celebrations of his life.

In addition to Lucyna, his devoted wife of 51 years, he is survived by his son, Richard Michalowski and his wife Lisa of Ridgefield; daughters, Krystyna Fraise and Dorothy Michalowski ( Matthew Morse), all of Fairfield; sisters, Apolonia Parejko of New Britain, Romualda Rzepnicki, Mariana Roginska, and Jadwiga Siebiedzinska, all of Poland; two brothers, Marian and Jan Michalowski of Poland; grandchildren, Grace, Jack and Caitlin Michalowski, Andrew Fraise and Julia Michalowski; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to go directly to St. Anthony of Padua Church in Fairfield where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 12 noon. Interment will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery in Fairfield. Calling hours will be on Tuesday from 4 to 7 pm in the FAIRFIELD FUNERAL HOME of EDMUND W. DOUGIELLO, 36 South Pine Creek Road. Contributions may be made in Antoni’s memory to CT Hospice, Inc. at hospice. com.