Pawlowski , Walter J.

Walter J. Pawlowski, PhD, DHS, 74, of Windsor, died at home on Sunday, July 24, 2022.

Born in Hartford, the son of the late Walter J. Pawlowski and Dorothy (Kay) Pawlowski, he grew up in East Hartford. He graduated with the inaugural class of the former George J. Penney High School. He then earned a BA (Marine Biology) with honors from Northeastern University, a PhD (Clinical Psychology) from Nova Southeastern University, and a DHS (Doctor of Human Sexuality) from The Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality. Certification as a sexologist from the American College of Sexology, multiple other certifications and training at the FBI Academy in the profiling of sexual serial killers.

He began his career at the Nevada Mental Health Institute and its pioneering treatment unit for the criminally insane. After a decade, he returned home to Connecticut and began a long career at the Connecticut Department of Correction, working as a Clinical Psychologist treating those incarcerated for sexually violent crimes.

He also saw patients in his private practice of psychology with an expertise helping those seeking to find their place on the gender and sexuality spectrum.

He is survived by two brothers and a sister in law, Henry and Carol Pawlowski of Manchester, and Gary Pawlowski of Saint Petersburg, FL. He also leaves his nephew and godson Atty. Henry Pawlowski, Jr. and Rey Andrews of East Hartford; his niece Dawn Pawlowski, APRN of Manchester; his former spouse, Dierdre Swanson of Zephyr Cove. NV; a special kitty, Joseph II; and many cousins and friends.

In addition to his parents Walter was predeceased by his brother, Robert Pawlowski and a special kitty, Joseph I.

For 25 years, his nephew, Henry Jr. served as Walter's unwavering caregiver after the onset of several strokes and allowed him to remain in his own house until his death.

Funeral service celebrating Walter’s life will be Tuesday (August 2, 2022) with a graveside service at 11:30 am at Silver Lane Cemetery, East Hartford. Everyone is asked to please go directly to the cemetery on Tuesday morning. Relatives and friends may call at the D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford on Monday (August 1, 2022) from 4 – 6:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Walter’s name may be made to the Connecticut Humane Society, 701 Russell Road, Newington, CT 06111. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com.