CT Golf Headlines

Milford, CT (April 4, 2010) -- Fred Kolakowski, the head golf professional at Mill River CC in Stratford for the past 22 years and the current CT Section PGA Professional of the Year, passed away Easter Sunday afternoon after a year and a half battle with cancer.

Kolakowski endeared himself to his peers with his passion for golf and life. Freddie, as he was fondly called by so many, turned 50 years old in January.

As a PGA Member for nearly 23 years, Kolakowski was active in serving the game and the association. He served two elected terms as a director on the section board of directors, including nine consecutive years from 2000-2008. During this term, he participated on both the tournament and finance committees, serving as chairman for the former.

In 2009, Kolakowski was named PGA Golf Professional of the Year for the Section, and over 500 turned out to honor him last November. Last year, he was also named the PGA Team Captain for the annual Julius Boros Challenge Cup Matches that are played each May versus the amateurs of the Connecticut State Golf Association.

Playing golf competitively and with his peers was among many of Kolakowski's professional passions. He was twice runner up in the CT PGA Championship; in 1992 at Ellington Ridge CC and in 2003 at New Haven CC where he was in a playoff. Kolakowski qualified and competed in the 1992 PGA Tour Greater Hartford Open at TPC River Highlands, and he is former Ernie Kaulbach Tournament Champion.

In 1988, he was named the head golf professional at Mill River CC in Stratford, after serving as assistant golf professional at both Oak Lane and Wampanoag CCs. Kolakowski spent his entire golf professional career affiliated with the Section, which he served with great distinction and honor.

A planned wake is set for Wed., April 7, at Spinelli-Ricciuti Funeral Home in Ansonia. Friends and relatives are invited to attend his funeral on Thurs., April 8, with friends being asked to meet directly at 11 a.m. at the Church of the Assumption, 61 North Cliff St., Ansonia, for a mass of Christian Burial. Burial will follow in the family plot in Mt. St. Peter's Cemetery in Derby. Visiting hours will be held Wed., April 7, 2010 from 3-8 p.m. in the chapel of the Spinelli-Ricciuti Funeral Home, 62 Beaver St., Ansonia. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Abigail and Lillian Landrau Scholarship Fund in care of the funeral home.