David Katusha Sr.

Ledyard — LCDR David F. Katusha Sr., U.S. Navy, retired, 94, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 4, 2018.

David was born in Cleveland, Ohio, the oldest of four sons to Anna (Albert) and David V. Katusha. After graduating from East Technical High School he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly served his country in the submarine force during World War II, Korean and Vietnam Wars. He earned the title Navy “mustang” for becoming a commissioned officer from the enlisted ranks.

While stationed in Groton, he met and married the love of his life, Lillian Stevens. Together they enjoyed deployments to many countries and states. Favorites included naval missions to Turkey and Peru and his time as a ROTC instructor at Miami University in Ohio.

David retired from the Navy after 30 years of service and went on to work as a senior design engineer at General Dynamics Electric Boat for 17 years when he and Lillian settled in Gales Ferry.

He was an active member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Gales Ferry for more than 40 years, a founding member of the Knights of Columbus (Our Lady’s Shrine Council 7054), a planning committee member for the annual (Diocese of Norwich) Red, White and Blue Mass for over 20 years, and a 25-year volunteer for the Retired Activities Office on the Naval Submarine Base.

David was predeceased by his beloved wife, Lillian; his mother, Anna; his father, David; his stepmother, Elizabeth; and brothers, Paul and Jerome, all of whom he deeply missed.

He leaves behind his son, David F. Katusha Jr. and wife, Denise, of Mystic; daughter, Jill Bell of Naples, Fla.; and daughter, Lauren Katusha of Gales Ferry. He also leaves behind three grandchildren, Jennifer Alexander (Wayne), Carin Napoletano (Christopher) and Jaime Burton (Jeremy); and five great-grandchildren, Jace and Katie Funaro and Cade, Cavin and Caley Napoletano. He will also be greatly missed by his brother, Lawrence. David was known for his commitment and devotion to his family and friends and will be remembered with love by all whose lives he touched.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 11, at Byles-Groton Memorial Home, 310 Thames St., Groton. A Mass of Christian Burial to honor his life will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, March 12, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1650 RT 12 in Gales Ferry. David will join his wife Lillian and be buried with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.

Please visit www.byles.com to leave a note of condolence or to share a memory.

In lieu of flowers, donations in David’s name may be made to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, 83 Grayling Ave., Groton, CT 06340, http://www. nmcrs.org.