Devoted Husband, Father, Grandpa and Friend

WOLCOTT – After a long and courageous battle, it is with profound sorrow that the family of David Chaikowski, age 69, of Wolcott, announces his peaceful passing on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Yale New Haven Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

David was born on May 6, 1956, in Waterbury, the son of the late Stephen and Joan (Angowski) Chaikowski. He was the devoted husband of more than 44 years to Cathleen (Brennan) Chaikowski, and a proud and loving father to Jennifer Brickley (husband John) of Southington and Michael Chaikowski (wife Alyssa) of Waterbury.

He was educated in local schools and graduated from Kennedy High School, Class of 1974. David spent over 40 years working in the newspaper printing industry, first with the Waterbury Republican-American, then the Meriden Record Journal and later with the Connecticut Post.

Dave found joy in life’s simple pleasures—fishing and pontooning on the lake, a perfectly crafted martini, gardening and maintaining a beautifully manicured lawn. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family, especially playing with his beloved grandchildren. Dave and Cathy truly did everything together. They loved to travel, enjoy fine dinners, relax on the beach, and simply be in each other’s company—always matching, of course.

An avid stamp collector, Dave also loved sitting down for a game of Minesweeper. His cooking was legendary, his martini-making incomparable, and his love for his family immeasurable. He was the best dad his children could have asked for and the very best “Grandpa Dave” to his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife and children, David is survived by his brother Paul Chaikowski (wife Ellen) of Cedar Grove, NJ; his cherished grandchildren Logan, Violet, Lily, and Luka; his sisters-in-law Marcia Jolly, Marita Brennan (Reggie Lombard), and Sheila Brennan; his nephew Christopher Jolly (Patricia DeLucia); and nieces Lauren Jolly, Nicole Jolly, and Anna Chaikowski. Dave also leaves behind countless friends—there truly wasn’t a soul who didn’t love him.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Michael Cohenuram and Dr. Nicholas Blondin for their compassionate care and dedication throughout Dave’s courageous battle against cancer.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., when a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, 74 West Main Street, Waterbury. Those attending are kindly asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family. Relatives and friends may pay their respects and visit with the Chaikowski family on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 1987 East Main Street, Waterbury. Loving-kindness is always welcome, and it takes only a moment to offer a message of condolence, words of comfort, or to share a memory. Please visit the funeral home’s tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to do so.