Thomas J. Protsko

Thomas (Tom) Protsko, 81, of Miford, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2023, after battling illness. Tom loved to laugh and had fun joking with everyone around him. Even in his final days and hours, he was making visitors smile.

Tom was happiest when he was fixing something or making something for people he loved. His family and friends benefitted from his meticulous car detailing skills as well as his famous lemon poppyseed cookies and homemade empanadas. He was always looking for new recipes to try. Tom was a lifetime member of VFW Post 7788 in Milford, where he had previously served as a chaplain. The ultimate handyman, Tom was mechanically inclined and loved solving problems with his hands. He worked as a sheet metal journeyman for 22 years before being employed by the Milford Department of Public Works for 18 years. 

Tom met his wife of 56 years, Carol Cicero, a year before enlisting in the military. The couple got married in 1966 and moved to Milford in 1970 where they raised their family. Tom and Carol enjoyed traveling together in their retirement. A devoted husband, Tom affectionately referred to Carol as “my right arm.” He often said “she’s the one who knows everything” and “she takes good care of me.” 

In addition to his wife, Tom is survived by his daughter, Jessica Ossen and her wife Deborah and their son Ethan, of West Hartford; his son, David Protsko and his wife Victoria  and their daughters Haillie and Madison Krankall, of New Haven; his brother Lawrence Protsko, of Monroe; his sister Joan Stefan and her husband Steven, of Milford; and several nieces and nephews. 

Tom grew up in Bridgeport, the son of Joseph Protsko and Helen C. Geffert. He lived a life of service, beginning as an altar boy at SS Cyril and Methodius Church. At age 20, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Thank you for your service and dedication all these years Thomas.

Family and friends may call on Saturday, March 11, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the GREGORY F. DOYLE FUNERAL HOME, 291 BRIDGEPORT AVENUE, MILFORD and a Funeral Service to follow with Military Honors at 12:00 p.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Marine Corps Toys for Tots.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas J. Protsko, please visit our floral store.