Troup Principal Dies

My condolences to the Family of Mr. K. Everyone in the Dwight area and throughout the city loved Mr. K for all that he did for inner city kids and their parents.

He was a humble hero with a vision who will truly be missed by all who knew him or knew of him! In honor of Mr. K. let's all step up and be leaders for the children in New Haven. God Bless...

My heart is heavy. We lost a GREAT man, educator and motivator in Mr. Kaliszewski, who was my seventh grade English teacher at Sheridan Middle School. In all my years of schooling, NO ONE inspired me more than him. I'm a better man because of him. Those who read my book can attest to the influence he had on my life.

To get an idea of the extent of his influence, the following is only a snippet taken from the book:

"Most people at school called him Mr. K or simply K. Despite English not being my favorite subject due to the whole reading expectation-thing, I truly looked forward to going to his class each day. He was as nice as Ms. Mullen from third grade though much cooler (and hairier) in his own right. During class, he spoke very professionally. But after class, he sounded like he was from "around the way." At that time, he had a full, fiery blond afro and some thought that he was partly black. I never asked him but I'm almost certain that he's Jewish. He also used to coach the basketball team at one of the local high schools. In his office hung loads of pictures—of his family, basketball-related photos (including the teams he coached) and pictures of a bunch of Sheridan Middle students, past and current. When I entered his office for the first time, I wanted my picture to hang on his wall one day for all to see."

-Road to Barrister: An Urban Monologue (pp. 45-46)

His family, students, co-workers, friends and his soul are in my thoughts and prayers. RIP Mr. K.

Mr. K was a unique teacher among many mediocre ones. A motivator, a cheerleader, a mentor, Mr. K loved all of us and saw the best in each of us, even those of us who were hard to love. When we couldn't see potential in ourselves, Mr. K saw what was beautiful, what was worth investing in, and he inspired us to be better. Mr. K was also great instructor. He knew his content but his impact was far beyond what we learned or our stellar grades and scores. With humor and love, Mr. K helped his students grow into good people. He saw us as young people who deserved power and respect, and with that, he demanded excellence, commitment, integrity and hard work--qualities he modeled himself. I count myself blessed to have been one of his students at Sheridan. Mr. K believed in me as a leader before I even knew I could be one. He encouraged me to help others, to be brave, to be creative, and to speak up against injustice. He worked into the night for his kids and generations of New Haveners are deeply grateful and honored to have been taught and loved by Mr. K.

See obituary and guest book on New Haven Register.com obituaries

I'm very sad to hear about Mr. K. He was a very great administrator and mentor to many in New Haven. I think he had an impact on every student he worked with and he will be greatly missed. There will never be another Mr. K. May he Rest In Peace

My heart is sad today. Mr. K was an awesome princiPAL! :)...
He was at Troup when I attended(89-91) and my now, 9 y.o. son had the pleasure of having him as a leader and mentor.
He did his job from his HEART! He positively affected SO MANY lives and we THANK HIM with ALL OUR HEARTS!
Anyone that I know, who knew him felt the same!
Words can not begin to tell what he meant to us all!
I would like to extend my deepest condolences to his family in their time of grieving.

With Love,
The Melvin Family

I am deeply saddened by this loss. My prayers go out to his family. Mr. K was a great mentor to many students, myself included! He was a great leader, educator and friend. I had the pleasure of being one of his students during middle school, and have many memories that will last me a lifetime. Mr. K will be missed by many and forgotten by none.

I'm very sadden but the passing of Mr K. I had the honor of know him for about 25yr. First meet him an playing against him when he was the coach at Hamden High School. Then as the principal at Troop. This man has taught me to all way put the kids first over anything. I have never in my life meet a man that care so much for other. I love you an will miss you dearly.

I was 10yrs old and in the 6th Grade when Mr. K came in as principal. Because of him, I became the 8th grade class president because I really didn't want the job but he pushed me to stand strong and do it. He worked with me day in and day out. Mr. K is the reason a lot of the young men in the Dwight area are still alive. He was a father figure to a LOT of inner city youth. I'm glad MY children got the chance to meet him and experience the same compassion that I did.

Rest in Peace Mr. K. You will be GREATLY missed!
c/0 91

As I mentioned earlier on FB,"K" was truly a great one...As the former director of middle school athletics I had to have the cooperation of all involved. Three principals ALWAYS put KIDS FIRST, Leroy Williams(Clemente), Sal Punzo (East Rock) and Rich Kaliszewski!!! No matter the situation, day or evening, he as as well as the other two, always accessible He will be sorely missed. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
Sincerely,
Michael Patterson