- Date Of Birth: July 2, 1922
- Date Of Death: July 20, 2011
- State: Connecticut
Otto Kalbach, 89, a long time resident of Bristol, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2011. He was the loving husband of Virginia Grace (Brouker) Kalbach and together they shared 49 years of marriage. Born on July 2, 1922 in Essen, Germany, he was the son of the late Bertha and Otto Kalbach, Sr.
Otto moved with his family at the age of one to the United States and they settled in New Britain, Ct. He was employed by Fafnir Bearing Co. for 32 years until his retirement in 1982. Otto always made time for his passion for music. He started playing the drums when he was 17 years old and never stopped. He was the drummer for the Connecticut’s Bristol Old Tyme Fiddlers Club for 25 years. He played Polka music at the Bristol Senior Center and with various bands over the years. When he wasn’t playing he was refurbishing drums and if he didn’t have a drum to play, he would just use his fingers and the table in front of him. Otto had a lot of spirit and will truly be missed by all those who knew him.
Besides his loving wife Virginia, he leaves his children Leonard Kalbach and his wife Barbara of Harwich, MA; Alan Kalbach and his wife Linda of Scottsdale, Arizona; Walter Kalbach and his wife Lisa of Bristol; Ct., Diann Kalbach Campbell of St. Petersburg, Florida; Keith Letalien and his wife Nancy of Bristol; Ct., Wayne Letalien and his wife Anne of Bristol; Ct., Cheryl Gerrish and her husband Jerry of Southington; Ct., Ginger Brezza and her husband David of Granby; Ct, eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and two nieces. He was predeceased by a brother and three sisters.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Sheriden Woods Health Care Center, Bristol and Vitas Hospice for all their care.
A special thanks to Gerry Lagace, the president and founder of the Ct. Bristol Old Tyme Fiddlers Club. Gerry and all the members have been very much an extended family to Otto.
