In Memoriam: Mike Czerepuszko

Michael Czerepuszko

Michael M. Czerepuszko, associate director of public safety and a 35-year member of the Public Safety Department, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 13, at the age of 57.

Director of Public Safety John Schmaltz issued the following statement:

“It is with great sadness and regret that I announce the passing of our friend Michael Czerepuszko. Mike was a very quiet and private gentleman in his personal life. He had requested his privacy and personal solitude during his final days. Our last conversation with him was upbeat and positive even though he was well aware of how little time he had left with us.

“We are going to sorely miss his presence in the department and here on campus,” Schmaltz continued. “He was a steady presence of knowledge and wisdom in keeping our community and officers safe and free from fear. Mike was always reliable and could be counted on at all times, no matter what the situation may have been.

“After 35 years of continuous service to our community, a true University of Hartford icon has left us, leaving us many fond memories of his kindness and sincere thoughtfulness,” Schmaltz said. “Saying we are going to miss him does not even begin to weigh in on the heaviness on our hearts in mourning his loss. Although he is gone, his legacy shall remain with us forever.”

Czerepuszko was born in Kamienna Stara, Poland, on April 17, 1955, and has resided in the Hartford area since 1962. During his career, he rose through the ranks from patrol officer to sergeant, was a graduate of the Connecticut State Police Protective Service Academy, and rose to the associate director position in the Department of Public Safety.

Friends may call at The Ahern Funeral Home, 180 Farmington Ave., Hartford, on Tuesday, Oct. 16, from 4 to 8 p.m. Funeral procession from The Ahern Funeral Home will be Wednesday, Oct. 17, at 9:15 a.m. followed by the Funeral Liturgy in the Cathedral of St. Joseph, 140 Farmington Ave., Hartford, at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Read Czerepuszko’s obituary in the Hartford Courant, and leave online condolences.