A veteran helping veterans

For his many years of service to the community and to veterans, Karl Antonevich is this year’s Hattie Brown Award winner

BY MANUEL C. “MANNY” CORREIRA

Karl Antonevich has meant a great deal to a lot of people in the Bristol community, especially to members of the Bristol Fourth of July Committee. So much so, that the committee saw it fitting to name him the recipient of the 2023 Hattie Brown Award.

“It was a surprise to me,” said Mr. Antonevich, whose involvement and support with veterans has been legendary.

“He’s so well-deserved,” said Fourth of July Committee member and past Hattie Brown Award winner (2021) Dick Devault. “He’s helped so many veterans.”

“I believe it is appropriate to say this year’s Hattie Brown recipient keeps a low profile,” said Mr. Devault the night of Mr. Antonevich’s official announcement as the Hattie Brown Award winner, “but if someone or an organization needs assistance he is front and center, especially in support of veterans.”

Although not a native Bristolian, you might as well say Karl Antonevich has bled the colors of this great community. He previously lived in Pawtucket until moving to Barrington at the age of 12. He later graduated from Barrington High School in 1969 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he attained the rank of 3rd Class Petty Officer. He later moved to Bristol in May of 1994.

Mr. Antonevich’s military career was certainly something worth talking about. He became an Aviation Electrician Mate and was assigned to two different jet squadrons, including one onboard the carrier USS America CV66 while off the coast of Vietnam.

“I’m still a newbie here in Bristol,” said Karl, flashing his trademark wide smile. “Some people call me a carpetbagger, but I love this town. I should have moved here earlier.”

Married to the former Kyle MacKay for the past 52 years, the couple produced three wonderful children: Keith Antonevich, Kerri Antonevich Perroni, and Kevin Antonevich. They are also proud of their seven grandchildren,

As the story goes, when Karl and Kyle moved to Bristol in 1994 they were looking for a place that would appease their appetite. Bristol was certainly their kind of town.

As fate would have it, their first neighbors were Kenny and Mary Watkinson, last year’s Hattie Brown Award recipients, whom he considered “the best neighbors anyone could have.”

Karl was employed for 38 years at Electric Boat, building submarines until retiring in 2006, and has been a faithful member of the VFW since 1995 “where all members work to keep Anthony C. Almeida Post 237 active in the service of area veterans.”

He also coordinated a joint effort in rebuilding a deck for the Michael Andrade family, and recently organized another deck rebuilding project supported by the VFW and the Bristol Elks Lodge. He was also actively involved in the creation and installation of the McKenna Memorial adjacent to the VFW on Hope Street.

Fourth of July isn’t the only major holiday which has Karl Antonevich’s name solidly stamped on it. As a Bristol Veterans Council member, he is actively involved in Bristol’s Memorial Day Celebration and the placement of the American Flag on Vietnam gravesites. He says he is older now and slowing down, but you’d never know it judging by his continued, non-stop efforts to keep veterans a top priority.

“I enjoy every minute of what I do for veterans,” said Karl, “and that includes all of those residents at the Rhode Island Veterans Home. I’ve met some great people along the way.”

For those not familiar with the late Hattie Brown, she was very active in the local community for many years going above and beyond to make her hometown a wonderful place to live and play.

The award is named for Ms. Brown, who was a longtime member of the Bristol Fourth of July Committee. The award is presented annually to a worthy Bristolian who demonstrates the same spirit of community service that was exhibited by Ms. Brown. Hattie was well known for her charitable contributions and activities in Bristol and throughout the State.

Karl Antonevich is a first-class veteran and human being. He is beloved by all, and when you sit down and talk to him about what veterans mean to him, his response is riveting.

“It’s all about the veterans,” he says, his eyes widening. “We want to take care of all of them.”

And because of his selfless efforts, we’re all the better for it.