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WILTON, Conn. -- Kenneth R. Makowka, of Wilton, died at home Tuesday, Nov. 3.
He was 71.
Makowka was born May 26, 1944, in Chicago, Ill., to Stephen and Gertrude (Suska) Makowka, He graduated in 1962 from Brother Rice High School. After graduating from Bradley University in 1966, he had a successful career in sales.
In 1978, he moved to Rochester, N.Y., as a marketing executive at Mobil Chemical, and then in 1984, moved to Wilton and started his own company, Kemco Sales, LLC, a security packaging company.
A successful entrepreneur, he developed a system of patented, tamper-evident bags used by financial institutions, armored car carriers, law enforcement and churches nationwide. As an industry expert, he was a mentor to many others.
Since 1999, Makowka fought a courageous battle against multiple myeloma. A patient consultant with the FDA for 10 years, he also participated in several clinical trials. He led a support group for many years and helped inspire countless others along the way.
Makowka is survived by his wife of more than 50 years, Mary; daughters, Stephanie O'Shea (Tony), of Stamford and Jennifer Heiser (Ken), of Westport, and son, Jeffrey Makowka of Baltimore, Md.; five grandchildren, Marshall, Ryan, Nathan, Caroline and Milo.
The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Friday in the Harding Funeral Home 210 Post Road East.
Friends are invited to attend a funeral at 9 a.m. Saturday meeting directly at Assumption Church, 98 Riverside Ave., Westport for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow in Assumption Cemetery, 73 Greens Farms Road, Westport.
Contributions may be made to International Myeloma Foundation, 12650 Riverside Drive #206, North Hollywood, CA 91607. Condolences for the Makowka family may be left at www.hardingfuneral.com
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