NAUGATUCK – Howard C. Vagt (Skipper), 95, husband of Mary Jane (Kovaleski) Vagt, died peacefully on May 7, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Howard was born on Aug, 21, 1928, in Waterbury, a son of the late Charles D. and Emma (Kaschel) Vagt. Howard graduated from Naugatuck High School and Waterbury State Technical College.
He began work at Uniroyal as a junior apprentice electrician and worked his way up to plant engineer at the Chemical Division, completing 49 years of service before retiring in 1995. Howard was a proud United States Army veteran during the Korean War, having served from 1950-1956.
Howard was a man of many talents; he built the family home in Naugatuck, having learned every trade and acquiring heavy machinery and excavation equipment with his buddy Johhny. Ultimately, he outfitted his basement with an extensive wood, metal and engine shop. There was little he couldn’t do or fix.
He was an avid boater; Howard was past commander of the United States Power Squadron (Waterbury) as well as the Miamogue Yacht Club. He also volunteered his time as an instructor for the USPS.
His favorite pastimes included boats, homes and cars, spending much of his time working on them. He famously brought home a vintage 38-foot Matthews, which he then spent 13 years fully restoring and upgrading; he constructed a custom trailer, then endured some tense moments towing her to Shelton and floating her off in the Housatonic. Thankfully the bilge pumps held.
For his last big project, Howard built the Rhode Island family vacation home with his son and daughter by his side, largely on weekends, and he greatly enjoyed his time there with family and friends. He loved his winters in Florida and UConn women’s basketball, attending close to 20 Final Fours.
He most cherished his time spent with his granddaughter and great-granddaughters. He was quite a jokester, loved telling stories and had a sweet tooth like no other. He will be missed dearly.
In addition to Mary Jane, his wife of 65 years, Howard is survived by his son, Howard T. Vagt (Judith) of Naugatuck; his daughter, Catherine Vagt of Milford; his granddaughter, Kelly Lestage (Justin) and his great-granddaughters, Alena and Everly Lestage, all of Naugatuck; several nieces and nephews; his brother, Arthur Vagt (Sylvia) of Idaho; his brother-in-law, William Kovaleski (Mary) of Sun City, Ariz., his brother-in-law, John Marino of Venice, Fla.; his adopted son Orlando Rosario (Tony Mohammed) of New York City.
In addition to his parents, Howard was predeceased by his brother, Henry Vagt and sisters Gladys Marino and Ethyl Rinaldi.
A special thanks to his loving caregivers, Tricia Gaspar and Allison Hernandez. Also, a special thank you to his great-granddaughter Alena, who took great pride in learning the skills to help take care of him in his final year.
Calling hours will be Monday, May 13, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m., at the Buckmiller Thurston Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Ave., Naugatuck. Burial with military honors will immediately follow at St. James Cemetery, Cross Street, Naugatuck. Members of the Naugatuck Veterans Council will assemble at the funeral home Monday morning at 10:45.
To leave an online condolence, please visit buckmillerthurstonmengacci.com.
