Alvah J. Kish, Sr.

Alvah John Kish Sr., age 80, of Beacon Falls, CT, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on Monday, August 3, 2026.

Alvah was born on June 30, 1946, in North Tonawanda, NY, to Raymond Edward Kish and Margaret Isabel (Getty) Kish. Raised in Erie, PA, the Kish family eventually settled in Milford, CT. Alvah graduated from Jonathan Law High School in Milford and later Southern Connecticut State University. In his youth, he was a successful amateur boxer, trained by his father. He was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served in West Germany and later in Vietnam. Honorably discharged, he returned to Connecticut where he met Mary Ann Murray.

Married in June 1969, Mary Ann and Alvah found their forever home in Beacon Falls with their two sons, Alvah Jr. and Jason. A true jack of all trades, he worked as a bowling alley attendant, bartender, welding instructor, math teacher, Little League and basketball coach, tradesman, Human Resources Manager at Pratt & Whitney, and in many other roles before retiring from a long career with the U.S. Postal Service in 2003.

In his later years, he married Theresa, “Terry,” in 2009, welcoming three bonus daughters into his family and beginning a new chapter filled with adventure. Together, they traveled cross-country, to the Philippines, and embarked on dozens of Carnival cruises. Above everything, his favorite role was dad and grandfather. Alvah was the biggest Bob Dylan fan on the planet, charming his family with renditions of “Just Like a Woman” at karaoke nights. He loved classic rock, cracking ridiculous “dad jokes,” days by the pool, and cornhole games. A “long-suffering” Cleveland Browns fan, he enjoyed watching and playing nearly every sport.

He was predeceased by his parents, siblings, Susan Swift, Agnes “Bunny” Grucza, John and Margaret Kish who passed as infants, and wives, Mary Ann Kish and Theresa Kish. He leaves behind his brother, Raymond; two sons, Alvah Kish, Jr. of Watertown, and Jason (Nancy) Kish of Guilford; and daughters, Tammy (Dennis) Posila of Naugatuck, Kelly (David) Cataudella of Wallingford, and Heather (Eran) Shenker of Manchester. Also, grandchildren, Emily (Evan) Kish, Amy Kish, Annalise and Abigail Kish, Kyle Laporte, Jordyn and Macy Cataudella, Zachary and Alyssa Posila, and Rae, Jonas, and Ezra Shenker.

Friends may visit with Alvah’s family at Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden on Thursday, August 6th, from 5-7 p.m. The family will hold a private burial at a later date. Given Alvah was a lover of animals, the family suggests in lieu of flowers, friends and family are encouraged to make a donation in his name to the ASPCA. To send condolences, please see Alvah’s obituary at www.beecherandbennett.com.