Obituary of Stephen Z. Kish

Stephen Z. Kish October 14, 1913 - October 08, 2004 Stephen Z. Kish Stephen Z. "Sarge" Kish, 90, husband of the late Margaret G. Kish, died at Danbury Hospital on Friday, October 08th. He was born in South Norwalk, on October 14, 1913, son of the late Stephen and Rose (Babas) Kish. He was resident of Danbury and Ridgefield. In his younger years he was active in Norwalk Sports, he played baseball and basketball with the YPHA League. He also played for several Norwalk area football teams. He was voted as the outstanding lineman by the South Norwalk Evening Sentinel for his play in the Sunday Morning Football League. Sarge was a Veteran of World War II, enlisted on November 20, 1940, with the United States Army, and was assigned to the First Infantry Division, 26th Infantry at Fort Devens, MA. He participated in the invasion of North Africa, Sicily, and the D-Day Invasion of Normandy. He was wounded in Germany and as a result was honorably discharged. He was awarded the Silver Service Star, Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart. He wrote many stories about his war experience, many of which were published. Upon return to the States, Mr. Kish was a factory worker for several Norwalk area handbag manufacturers were he met his first wife, Margaret. Mrs. Kish passed away in 1985, after thirty-five years of marriage. He worked as an Optical Edger for Perkin Elmer and retired after more than twenty-seven years of service. During his retirement he concentrated on maintaining contact with his Army buddies. He met his second wife, Vera (Duling) Waltz through a friend. The two lived in Newman, Ill. from 1991 until her death in 2002. Mr. Kish was a member of the King Street United Church of Christ in Danbury, was a life member in the Raymond A. Waling Post 149 of the VFW, was a former Mason with the Union Lodge 40 A.F. & A.M. He was also a member of the Disabled American Veterans, the Society of the First Infantry Division, the 26th Infantry Association, and was former member of the King Street Volunteer Fire Company. Mr. Kish is survived by his children, Duane P. Kish of Danbury, Shelley K. Davenport of Torrington, Stephen D. Kish of New Milford, and Joyce McCarthy of Tennessee; as well as five grandchildren. In addition to his first and second wives, he was predeceased by his brothers, William and Julius Kish; and sisters, Jennie and Helen Kish. Funeral Information A Graveside Service, with military honors, will be held on Tuesday, October 12th at 11:00 am. at Riverside Cemetery in Norwalk. The family will receive friends at the Cornell Memorial Home, 247 White Street, Danbury, on Monday, October 11th between the hours of 5 and 7:00pm. Donations Information Memorial Contributions in his memory may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, Ohio 45250-0301.