Devin Andrew Kwolek, 33, of Gunnison, Colorado passed away on Sunday, June 02, 2024. Devin was born on May 8, 1991, in Hartford Connecticut. He was the youngest child of Gerald and Maureen (Gilly) Kwolek and "baby" brother to Branden, Dawn, Brian, and Tyler. Devin grew up in Colchester Connecticut, spending much of his childhood enjoying the outdoors. As a child he climbed Mount Washington with his father Gerald and brother Tyler, forever fostering a lifelong love for the mountains.

Devin graduated from Bacon Academy in 2009. Devin went on to further his studies at the University of Connecticut, obtaining a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology in 2014. Throughout high school and college, Devin worked at St. Clement's Castle, assisting with banquets and formal events. There he gained valuable experience in hospitality and compassion for others.

In 2015, Devin relocated to Crested Butte, Colorado, to pursue a culinary career. Over the years, he worked as a Chef at various restaurants and resorts with Pitas in Paradise being the most significant chapter. Pitas played a crucial role in nurturing Devin's love and passion for food, becoming a cherished space where he crafted family meals, fostering a sense of togetherness, safety, and fun among friends. Devin's impact at Pitas led to the establishment of a second restaurant in Gunnison and has become the "go to" place for great food and even better company. Devin's legacy of friendship, affection, and charisma will forever live on in the many meals served amongst friends at Pitas. Devin also enjoyed performing stand-up comedy at open mic nights, with his most prominent routine being "Have you seen my thighs?" He loved making people laugh and expressing his affection through his well-known bear hugs.

More recently, Devin pursued a career change in the cement industry, working towards obtaining a CDL license. He found joy in working outdoors in the Colorado mountains, capturing the beauty of the scenery in photographs to share with family and friends. Devin embraced the challenges of winter, navigating snowy roads and tricky mountainous terrain, often capturing stunning images of sunlit mountains against vibrant autumn colors. For many, his spirit will forever evoke the beauty of a sunrise painted in vivid hues of yellow, orange, and red.

Throughout his time in Colorado, Devin was a social butterfly and made many friends between the sister towns of Crested Butte and Gunnison, in addition to his childhood friends in Colchester. An avid lover of the outdoors and bringing people together, Devin loved to build intricate fire pits to share fond memories with friends. He also enjoyed traveling abroad which started as a child to England and Ireland with his family. He then went to Spain with his brother Tyler after high school graduation, and recently to Belize with his parents and siblings. Devin loved to meet new people, always opening his heart with compassion. He was a great listener, a generous son, affectionate brother, and a much-loved uncle. An avid animal lover with a special affection for cats, Devin particularly loved his cats Lady Grey Beard and Starfire. Devin knew how to put a smile on everyone's face with his infectious laugh and quirky sayings, often reserved for the best moments when we needed him the most. Devin will be dearly missed. May he beat on in our hearts and continue to be filled with unconditional love.

He is survived by his parents, Gerald, and Maureen Kwolek; brothers, Branden Erickson, Brian Kwolek and Tyler Kwolek (Karrie Bordeau); sister, Dawn McNally (Jillian); nieces, Evelyn, Brenna, Keegan, and Etoile; nephews, Beckham, Declan, and Aelius; along with numerous extended family and friends. A Celebration of Life for Devin will be held on Thursday, July 11, from 4-6 PM at the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, located at 167 Old Hartford Road, Colchester. A private burial for the family only will follow on Friday, July 12.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gunnison Valley Animal Welfare League at www.gvawl.org 

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