Funeral services for Former City Alderman Adam Platosz, who died March 12th at the age of 73, drew hundreds of individuals who came to mourn the passing of a public servant and a loyal and generous friend and leader in the city’s Ukrainian American community.
Platosz, a longtime member of the Democratic Town Committee, served multiple terms on the Common Council first as a councilor at large and more recently representing Ward 2. Elected to the Council in 1989 on former Mayor Don DeFronzo’s coalition slate, he served two terms as a councilor at large during the Defronzó administration and five terms as a ward representative from 2005 to 2015.
Platosz also served as a delegate to state and congressional conventions and was active in campaigns on behalf of Democratic candidates for more than 40 years. He brought music to many social and political events playing his accordian starting with his first run for Common Council.
Former Mayor DeFronzo, in a 2022 retrospective on his 1989 campaign for Mayor, noted Platosz’ musical contributions and ability to build support in the community for his slate: “Adam Platosz, one of our candidates for City Council and a Ukrainian Club member, played his accordion for hours entertaining the many seniors who were in attendance. A Ukrainian youth dance group, the Zerkie dancers, also entertained adding a little culture to the event.”
Platosz’ community ties were extensive as a 45-year member of the New Britain Elks Lodge 957 and involvement in local and national Ukrainian social and cultural organizations. Platosz served on the Saint Mary Ukrainian Orthodox Church Council where he was a lifelong parishioner.
Platosz and his family came to New Britain from Ukraine in 1965. He attended E.C. Goodwin Technical High School and the Computer Data Institute. During his working life he held data processing positions at the Connecticut Bank & Trust (CBT) and Blue Cross Blue Shield. A widower of Ann (Szysz) Platosz who passed away in 2000, Platosz raised his children at his longtime family home on Olive Street.
When the Russian invasion of Ukraine occurred in early 2022 the New Britain Common Council adopted a resolution introduced by former Alderman Aram Ayalon (D-3) showing support for Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty as scores of war-displaced Ukrainians began coming to New Britain. At the Common Council in March, 2022 Platosz spoke for the resolution supporting Ukraine against “the threats and violence that are now occurring because of the Russian invasion.”
“New Britain has always been an important city in welcoming immigrants from Eastern Europe and the Ukraine. The Ukrainian American community has made many contributions to New Britain’s institutions and government for generations,” Platosz told the Council. “As we come together as a community in support of Ukraine, it is important to add the city’s official resolve to oppose the invasion, the war crimes and to help the nation of Ukraine resist.”
Platosz is survived his son Michael Platosz of New Britain; daughter Christine Bellanceau and her husband, Evan, of Portland; his companion of 11 years, Halyna Drebot of New Britain; his brother, Roman Platosz of Berlin; two sisters-in-law, Mary Panchyshyn of New York and Nadia Platosz of Georgia.
Adam Platosz’ children are collecting donations in his memory that will be consolidated and sent to a Ukrainian Relief Fund of their choice.
Related Posts
Queen Ann Nzinga Center Planning 16th Annual Constance “Connie” Renee Wilson Collins Exceptional Women Concert
Public Open House Planned for Piper Brook & Webster Brook Flood Project
