David Norman Unikewicz

David Norman Unikewicz “Dave,” “Uke,” “Bro,” “Pops,” “Cabbage” passed peacefully on Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021.

David was born on March 24, 1944 to John Francis Unikewicz, Sr. and Genowefa A. Gut. David lived on Marlborough Street in the family home for much of his life. David loved living in Portland. It was often joked that David knew mostly everyone in town. He had a “Hey! How ya doin’?” for everyone! A few of the friends David could be found around town with are James Nursick, Timothy Barrett, and David Opuszynski. He was a proud member of the Portland Company 2 Volunteer Fire Department for 50 years. In addition to the volunteer fire department, David was a member of the fire department’s drill team and traveled all over the east coast to march in various parades. David was also a member of the Company 2 softball team, where he was a pitcher.

David retired from Pratt and Whitney Aircraft in Middletown, where he worked in the materials department for 35 years.

How did David enjoy his retirement? Very well, thank you! David was super active with all his hobbies. David was an avid New York Mets fan and could be found watching them whenever he could! David loved fishing and would almost never miss an opening day at Salmon River. He also enjoyed going out on the boat deep sea fishing with friends. Monday nights were cards nights at St. Francis Club (don’t call him then!), and Fridays were setback. Any days in between, you could find him playing horseshoes. First playing with the firehouse league, then at the campground league at Acorn Acres, and even in the Haddam/

Killingworth leagues. Who did David play horseshoes and golf with? He played with longtime campground friends, Mark Bottion, Kevin Shields, and Jimmy Weeks. They were the best of friends.

David spent 33 years at Acorn Acres campground with his family and friends. He could be found playing horseshoes, grilling good food, playing Tiger Woods Golf with his friends, and just being a general schmooze. David was the type of man who everyone loved and always stopped to talk to.

David is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Elizabeth Unikewicz. He is also survived by his adoring daughter, Stacy Unikewicz Connor and son Kevin Stanley Unikewicz. David is also survived by his brother, Robert James Unikewicz, Sr. and sister, Mary Carol (Unikewicz) Opalacz. David was predeceased by his sister Jean Marie (Unikewicz) Henry, and his brothers Gerald Francis Unikewicz, John Joseph Unikewicz, and Stanley Richard Unikewicz.

The funeral will be held on Friday, Oct 22 at 10 a.m. in St. Mary Church, Portland. Friends may call at the Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main Street, Portland on Thursday, Oct 21 from 5-7 p.m. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery, Portland, on Thursday, Oct 28 at 11 a.m.