Ladislaus "Laddie" Michalowski, a lifetime of service and work for a better world.

Ladislaus "Laddie" Michalowski was, for generations of people in New Britain and Connecticut, the heart and soul of the movement for economic justice and equality. He spent a lifetime working to build a better world for everyone.

This Tuesday, he passed away. He would have been ninety-three this Saturday.

John McNamara, Chair of the New Britain Democrats described a lifetime of work by Michalowski for a better world in his December 27, 2006 Democratic E-Letter:

A native of New Britain and 1933 graduate of New Britain High School, Michalowski worked at American Hardware Corporation where he helped organize the United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers (UE-CIO) alongside former State Rep. and UE organizer Nick Tomasetti. Laddie served in the U.S. Army in Europe during World War II and returned to work at Fenn Manufacturing Company until he retired in 1977. In 1965, he was a marcher for voting rights from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama.

Through the years Laddie contributed his time and organizing skills to grassroots organizations including Citizens for Action in New Britain, the Citizen-Energy Labor Coalition and the Connecticut Citizen Action Group (CCAG). He served the Legislative Electoral Action Program (LEAP), an organization that promoted citizen participation and supported progressive Democratic candidates. At a CCAG dinner honoring him several years ago, Michalowski received a Distinguished Service Award from the Democratic Town Committee for his unwavering support of Democrats and progressive causes. He was a member of the NAACP, the New Britain Human Rights Commission and the Hartford area American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) extending his commitment to the civil rights struggles of the 1960s and 1970s.

Laddie leaves his wife, Dr. Elizabeth "Betty" Michalowski, two daughters, a granddaughter and six nieces and nephews, including State Rep. John Geragosian (D-25).

Laddie Michalowski's obituary can be found on the Carlson Funeral Home website (and can be reached by clicking here). The Carlson Funeral Home website also allows visitors to post condolences or a tribute, which can be accessed by clicking here.

Readers are also invited to write about their own memories and stories about Laddie Michalowski, on the New Britain Community News website by clicking here.

Calling hours for Laddie Michalowski are Friday December 29th, 5-8 pm, at Carlson Funeral Home, 45 Franklin Square, New Britain, CT - 860-225-6361. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 30th at 10 am at First Church of Christ Congregational, 830 Corbin Avenue, New Britain, CT 06052 - 860-229-3709.