George “Mush” Kanupka was a 1936 graduate of Berlin High. Back in the spring of 1935, before Berlin had a full high school (it only had 11 grades at that time), “Mush” pitched a no-hitter against the American School for the Deaf. It was supposed to be a nine inning contest, but the opposing coach asked for mercy and the officials shortened the game to seven innings. By that time “Mush” had struck out 21 batters. He pitched many other outstanding games for Berlin High and went on to become a respected pitcher in the old Industrial League in New Britain and in semi-pro baseball throughout the state. Some of the teams he played for were the East Berlin Mohawks, Kensington Maroons, New Britain Falcons, Berlin Auto Sales, and New Britain Machine. “Mush” was also a member of the Berlin High football team.

He was a lifetime resident of Berlin volunteering of both his time and his money in supporting Berlin Little League, Berlin American Legion baseball, American Legion Boys and Girls State, and Berlin Special Education Association. He was a veteran of World War II having served in the U.S. Navy.

He worked most of his adult life for the town of Berlin and was instrumental in organizing the Berlin Policeman’s Union and served as its first president. As a driver for special education students in town he organized annual Xmas parties for them with Santa arriving one time by horse and buggy and another time by helicopter. As a veteran he was active in organizing the Memorial Day celebrations in town.

“Mush” passed away in October 1988. He was predeceased by his wife Victoria. They had three children, George Kanupka III, Janet Kanupka Snyder, and Brenda Kanupka Kidd. His son George was a member of the 1963 Berlin High football team that was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.