Dylan Konakowitz

New London — Dylan William Konakowitz, 21, from New London, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017, peacefully in his sleep.

Dylan was born May 11, 1996, in New London, to Stacey Konakowitz. He attended St. Joseph School in New London and Waterford High School, graduating in 2014. He continued his studies at Three Rivers Community College and was attending Eastern Connecticut State University, majoring in education. Dylan’s dream was to become a history teacher and to coach basketball. He loved working with children and wanted to use his skills to make a difference in young people’s lives.

He is survived by his parents, Stacey Konakowitz and Stephen Maynard; along with his sister, Anastasia Konakowitz; and his brothers, Jesse Konakowitz, Jonathan Maynard, Joshua Maynard, Robert Maynard and Stanley Maynard. He is also survived by his grandfather, Bill Konakowitz of Leesburg, Fla.; and his aunt, Pamela Konakowitz of Waterford.

Dylan worked at Filomena’s Restaurant for four years, always with a smile on his face for every customer through the door. The Filomena’s owner and staff were Dylan’s extended family.

Dylan had a passion for sports, especially baseball and basketball. He started playing baseball at an early age. He played for Waterford Little League, Waterford Babe Ruth and went on to play at Waterford High School. Dylan played baseball on travel teams and played for Three Rivers Community College. He also played rec. basketball and made lots of great friends and memories with all his sporting endeavors. Dylan’s favorite teams were University of Kentucky basketball, the Boston Red Sox and the Atlanta Falcons.

Dylan made friends wherever he went, he loved life and he never held himself back despite having Type 1 Diabetes. He lived his life to the fullest and everyone that knew him loved him. There are some people who make life beautiful. Dylan was every single bit of that. He brought love, laughter, humor and his infectious smile to absolutely every single person he crossed paths with in his life. He will live on in all of our memories of him.

Calling hours will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24, at Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home, 84 Montauk Ave., New London. A funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 25, at St. Joseph Church on the corner of Montauk Avenue and Squire Street in New London. Interment will follow in Cedar Grove Cemetary, New London.

In lieu of flowers, the family would request donations made in memory of Dylan Konakowitz to the Cactus Jack Foundation, P.O. Box 145, Waterford, CT 06385.