Louis R. Diachenko, 96, husband of the late Ann (Kulakauskas) Diachenko, of Bristol, formerly of Hartford and Wethersfield, passed away Thursday, November 26, 2015, at Bristol Hospital. He was born on August 29, 1919, son of the late Richard and Dora Diachenko. A lifelong Hartford area resident, Louis graduated from Hartford Public High School. During World War II, Lou proudly served as a US Marine, Staff Sargent, 2D AIRDROME/BN 17th AA BN. For many years, he was employed by Graybar Electric Company of West Hartford. He also worked as an electrician at Electric Boat in Groton. Lou was an active person who enjoyed golf, swimming, basketball, and many wonderful times with his children and grandchildren. He was also an avid reader of current events and closely followed the stock market. Lou was a longtime parishioner at St. Augustine Church in Hartford and later the Church of the Incarnation, Wethersfield. He was a member and past president of the St. Augustine School PTA, the South Catholic Men’s Club, and the Hartford Council of the Knights of Columbus.
Lou was an extraordinary person who touched many with his glowing personality, zest for life, and sense of humor. Throughout his life, Lou was a survivor. He lost his father as a young boy and grew up during the Depression helping to provide for his family. Through difficult times, he remained positive and appreciative of whatever life threw his way. His devotion to his family was unwavering as a caring husband, always-present father, and shining star of a grandfather. Lou was named The Harford Courant Father of the Year in 1990, a well-deserved honor. He constantly expressed great pride in the accomplishments of family members and never ceased to describe himself as blessed. In his later years, Lou persevered through physical ailments with remarkable courage and determination mixed with a bit of wit and charm.
Lou is survived by his two sons and four daughters, Richard Diachenko and his wife Lillian of Niantic, Louann Landsberg and her husband Edward of Vernon, Marian Cancelliere and her husband Joe of Rocky Hill, Catherine Benedetto and her husband David/Benny of Bristol, with whom Lou made his home, Thomas Diachenko and his wife Beth of San Diego, CA, and Annette Diachenko of Bristol. He also leaves thirteen grandchildren, Allison Tucci, Katie Hibbert, Melissa Tucci, Dan Diachenko, Jeff Landsberg, Jennifer Ward, Michael Benedetto, Rob Landsberg, Jimmy Benedetto, Alicia Landsberg, Alek Diachenko, Drew Diachenko, and Kristin Cancelliere; five great-grandchildren, Makenzee Montanaro, Jaxson Hibbert, Ayden Hibbert, Oliver Ward, and Avery Landsberg; a sister Bette Walsh and her husband Jack of Old Saybrook; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his infant daughter Maryann and his brothers and sisters, Mary Diachenko, Helen Carcia, Dorothy Burns, Mitch Diachenko, Nick Diachenko and Hilda Meade.
Lou’s family would like to extend heartfelt thanks for the care and compassion given to him by the staff of The Pines at Bristol and Bristol Hospital. Calling hours will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 2, 2015, at the Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home, 34 Beaver Rd., Wethersfield. Family and friends are invited to a Funeral Mass at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 3, 2015, in the Church of the Incarnation, 544 Prospect St. Wethersfield. Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery, 453 Fairfield Ave., Hartford. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Bristol Adult Resource Center, 621 Jerome Ave., Bristol, CT 06010. To extend online condolences, share a story or light a memorial candle, please visit www.farleysullivan.com. Although those of us he left behind miss him greatly, we rejoice that now he is able to dance with his darling Ann in heaven!