Michael Louis Fekete

Husband, Father, Grandfather, Police Officer

Michael Louis Fekete, 68, of Newtown died at Danbury Hospital on August 29, succumbing to the illness he had been fighting since January. He was born in Fairfield on April 30, 1937, to Mary and Louis M. Fekete. He had been a Newtown resident since 1964.

Mr Fekete was the beloved husband for 41 years to Carole (Forest) Fekete, loving father to daughter Elin and her husband, Timothy Hayes, and “Papa” to his shining star, granddaughter Mairin Elizabeth Hayes, all of Newtown.

He is also survived by his sisters and brothers-in-law Mary Ann and Bill Dwinells, Fairfield, Kathleen and Paul Kuscera of Villa Rica, Ga., and Elaine Neverdousky of Dallas; and brothers and sisters-in-law Alexander and Carol Fekete of Colchester, Robert and Patricia Fekete of Fairfield, Thomas and Diane Fekete of Stratford, and James Fekete of New Milford; as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. Aunts and uncles Doris Estock, Elizabeth Bok, John Holecz, Margaret and Laszlo Csovanyos, and Olga and Arthur Wood survive Mr Fekete, as well.

Mr Fekete was honorably discharged from the United States Navy, serving his country from 1955 to 1959. As part of his duties, he served as a member of the Honor Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He was last stationed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea.

He was a proud member of the Newtown Police Department from 1967 to 1997 and moved through its ranks. Beginning his career as an auxiliary officer, he became a sergeant in 1972, lieutenant in 1983, and captain in 1988. He also served as acting Chief of Police.

He held many supporting positions during his law enforcement career including dog warden, training officer, Neighborhood Crime Watch organizer, and emergency driving techniques instructor, as well as assisting at Connecticut Police Academy practical skills training days. As a veteran officer, he found great personal satisfaction as a mentor to new department recruits. He was awarded numerous commendations for this service.

Upon retirement, Mr Fekete was happiest at home with his family completing projects around the house or spending time with his precious granddaughter to whom he passed on his love of fishing.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 3, at 11 am, at St Emery’s Roman Catholic Church, 838 King’s Highway, Fairfield. In lieu of calling hours, the family invites friends to gather in the church undercroft immediately following the memorial for lunch and to share memories in celebration of his life. Burial will be private.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Newtown Police Union, PO Box 3354, Newtown CT 06470.

The Newtown Bee        September 2, 2005