Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Christopher Ziemnicki Obituary
Christopher Stanley Ziemnicki, 49, of Stratford, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at his home. Born in Springfield, MA on October 1, 1966, son of the late Joseph and Carolyn (Kuta) Ziemnicki, he was raised in Enfield, attended Enfield Public Schools and was a graduate of Fermi High School, Class of 1984. After high school, Chris continued his education and graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science. Chris lived in New Haven for many years after college and had lived in Stratford for the last 15 years. Most recently, he had worked as a Vice President of Product Development at Market Data Retrieval (MDR) in Shelton. In his spare time, Chris enjoyed mountain biking and spending time with his two daughters. He leaves two daughters, Penelope Manzione Ziemnicki and Sasha Manzione Ziemnicki, both of Stratford; a brother, Jonathan Ziemnicki and his wife Terri of Granby and two nephews, Zachary and Ryan Ziemnicki, both of Granby. His family will receive friends on Sunday, August 7, 2016, 1-4 p.m., at the Hayes-Huling & Carmon Funeral Home, 364 Salmon Brook St., Granby, with a prayer service at 3:30 p.m. Chris' family would like to especially thank his friends and sponsors in his support group for all that they have done over the last several years. His family has requested that donations in his memory be made to Granby Youth Services Advisory Bureau, 15 North Granby Rd., Granby, CT 06035. For online condolences, please visit, www.carmonfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Ziemnicki
Sponsored by The Romans Family (Chuck, Bobbie and Alex) Stamford CT.
Jayne O´Hara
July 30, 2023
It´s hard to believe you´ve been out of the physical realm for 7 years. I think about you often. It feels like a lifetime ago, but sometimes it feels like yesterday. Until we meet again!
Love,
Jayne
Dave Ziemnicki
July 29, 2023
Still in my thoughts and prayers.
Jamie B
April 28, 2017
I recently learned of Chris's passing and want to express my deepest sympathy to his family. Chris talked about his kids so much. They lit him up. The tributes here tell a lot. I had no idea he accomplished so much in his career, he was humble. Jayne, we should all be as lucky as Chris to have the love and devotion of a soul like yours. He deserved that. I take comfort in knowing he experienced that before his passing and I hope you can too.
RIP my friend, see you on the other side.
Taken by Chris in May while bike riding
Jayne O'Hara
August 25, 2016
Taken by Chris in May while bike riding
Jayne O'Hara
August 25, 2016
Taken by Chris in June while bike riding
Jayne O'Hara
August 25, 2016
Taken by Chris in June while bike riding
Jayne O'Hara
August 25, 2016
Taken by Chris in June while bike riding
Jayne O'Hara
August 25, 2016
Taken by Chris in June while bike riding
Jayne O'Hara
August 25, 2016
Taken by Chris in July while bike riding
Jayne O'Hara
August 25, 2016
Taken by Chris in June while bike riding
Jayne O'Hara
August 25, 2016
Alisa Loper
August 15, 2016
God bless you Chris. May you have eternal peace and joy in heaven. I remember you having a twinkle in your eyes and great patience with the not-so-tech savvy people at work, like myself. My deepest condolences go out to your loved ones.
Julie Kimball
August 12, 2016
I worked with Chris at MDR for many years. In the tight-knit community of educational marketing, Chris was a true leader. At MDR, everyone in sales wanted to bring Chris to client visits. He elevated every conversation in which he participated. He was also smart, funny, and an all-around good guy. I emailed him one Sunday before a big meeting, not expecting an answer until the next morning. To my surprise, he got back to me within minutes, answering my questions and adding something more I hadn't asked for. Then he signed off, telling me he was expected at his youngest daughter's tea party. That was typical Chris.
I wish I could have been there on Sunday to pay my respects. To his daughters, Penelope and Sasha, your dad was so proud of you. I am very sorry for your loss.
Steve Gatland
August 11, 2016
I am profoundly saddened by the passing of Chris Ziemnicki. He was a great friend and work colleague, and will be missed.
I have so many great memories of Chris hundreds of work trips, dozens of music concerts, and too many laughs and great times to count. He was a great product leader and strategist at MDR, always focused on helping our clients improve their performance. Our business blossomed due in no small part to Chris's contributions. But as successful as he was professionally, his primary focus was always his two daughters, Penelope and Sasha. On so many occasions he would show me the latest pictures of the girls, share a funny home video, or tell me about the fun things they had done over the weekend. He loved you dearly Penelope and Sasha, and was so proud of you.
Chris and I had a lot in common (we were the same age, we were both fathers to young kids, and we both loved music). I could never quite match Chris's vast musical knowledge but we had a lot of cross-over in the types of bands we liked. Once Chris learned that I had an appreciation for punk rock (one of his favorite genres) he always had a song or a band I had to check out. He even went so far as to burn his entire music catalog on a dozen CD's and send those to me so I could be fully educated in punk rock history. (Some years later I was able to partially return the favor dude, any chance you still have those CD's I burned for you my hard drive crashed!). And, in one of the most remarkable examples of his encyclopedic knowledge of music, he was able to locate a song for me that I had not been able to find for over 15 years Chris, going out on a limb here, but any chance you know of tune that goes something like this da da, da da da, da da da da oh yeah, said Chris, that's Ever by the Lemonheads. And sure enough, he was right!
Chris could take a joke, and could play a joke with the best of them. The number of times I set off the metal detectors at LaGuardia or O'Hare because Chris had secretly stuffed my coat pockets full of paper clips or tin foil are too numerous to count. (And he never complained about the payback.)
He also had great technical skills aside from creating some of MDR's most successful digital products, his most remarkable technical feat may have been his voicemail mix tape. Unbeknownst to me, he had kept copies of various voice mails that I (and others) left for him, and mixed them down with a hip hop backbeat. Clever word splicing and vocal effects made the end results nothing short of hilarious and genius. I still have it.
I will never forget Chris. He was a man with a big heart, a big intellect, and a tremendous amount of passion for his kids, his friends, and his work.
Missing you Z.
Jon Ziemnicki
August 10, 2016
Jon Ziemnicki
August 10, 2016
Jon Ziemnicki
August 10, 2016
Jon Ziemnicki
August 10, 2016
Jon Ziemnicki
August 10, 2016
Jon Ziemnicki
August 10, 2016
Jon Ziemnicki
August 10, 2016
Jon Ziemnicki
August 10, 2016
Jon Ziemnicki
August 10, 2016
Jon Ziemnicki
August 10, 2016
Francesca DeMaria
August 10, 2016
May you be at peace my friend. I will miss you and your kindness and generosity. You are one of the best men I have had the privilege of knowing here at MDR and personally. Your love and dedication to your girls, Penelope and Sasha, was beautiful to witness. I tell everyone how your face would light up when you spoke about them. You will always hold a special place in my heart.
Jayne O'Hara
August 8, 2016
Your friendship had a monumental impact on my life and left an imprint on my heart. It's obvious that anyone who knew you can agree, the love you had for Penelope & Sasha was immeasurable. I learned so much from you and am grateful for the time we shared. There will never be another Z. I love you Chris.
Jayne
Tom Dillon
August 7, 2016
Chris you will be missed, you were my main man and a great guy!!! My condolences go out to your family!!!
Moira McArdle
August 7, 2016
Today I attended Chris' memorial service. It was lovely and I send my best wishes for peace and serenity to his family.
Chris and I worked together for more than a decade helping to shape products and services to education marketers. I will remember him for his commitment, forward-thinking drive, and insight to the next big opportunity. He had so much more to do and I will miss him as a colleague, collaborator, and as a friend.
But more than anything, I will remember Chris for his number one focus: his children. Fairly regularly he would appear with a wide grin in my doorway to announce we had visitors Penelope and Sasha had arrived for a visit for lunch, for a Girl Scout cookie delivery, or just a quick hug and greeting for a father they loved. I tried to chat with them, asking about school, summer break, or their lunch plans, but it was hard to get their attention - they only had eyes for their dad. And the feeling was mutual. Beyond the many framed photos in his office, heart shapes and notes from his girls were preserved in do not erase sections of his white board, and stayed there for years. Every Monday he shared his great weekend activities, which always involved the girls. He talked about special movie outings, favorite restaurants, and outdoor sports, together and separately with each of the girls. He shared what video games they liked, what super heroes they favored, and the music they enjoyed. He introduced the technology he loved early, and proudly showed the many videos Sasha was making on her tablet. There is absolutely no doubt: he loved his daughters and they were his number one priority.
Chris, like most people, had many layers, and over time I learned more about him. His low brow taste for Taco Bell was only revealed when I walked into the office with a bag one lunchbreak. Ever after, he never made a run without asking me if I wanted something. Yet his passion for Middle Eastern, Indian, and Sushi evoked equal enthusiasm, and he frequently joked that he had created some expensive future dates with his daughters, who shared his love of food and restaurants.
Only this week did I realize from posts here how much of a gamer he really was. He may not have mentioned it because he knew I couldn't relate. Or more likely, because he knew I would likely tease him relentlessly.
Today I listened to Radiohead on my drive to his service. A few years ago, I shared that I was a (somewhat late to the table) fan of Radiohead. Of course, Chris rattled off a bunch of songs and albums to reveal I really didn't know what I was talking about. It wasn't the first time, as his interest and range of taste in music was impressive. He shared how often he listened to a new Radiohead album on repeat when "P" was a baby and he stayed at home with her - a time he cherished. My second song into today's playlist was How to Disappear Completely. It made me sad. The refrain from that song, I'm not here; I'm not here; This isn't happening reflected both my own feelings of disbelief, and likely some of what Chris may have been feeling more recently. To Penelope and Sasha, I hope you will see this message someday and know, your dad WAS here. He was smart, kind, committed, and successful. And loved you more than anything. May you remember him as he wanted to be.
Billy Bechamp
August 7, 2016
Chris will be missed by his loved ones and his online friends. I've known him for 12 years now thanks to a game we've played together. We were all saddened by the news. My condolences to Chris's family and friends. TF
Dave Ziemnicki
August 7, 2016
So sorry to the entire Ziemnicki family. Dave, Stan and Irene Ziemnicki from Enfield.
Debbie Fabozzi
August 6, 2016
Chris, you will always be remembered at MDR and sadly missed by many. Peace be with you and your family.
sandra-lee tasker
August 6, 2016
so sorry to hear of christopher\'s passing. we are second cousins Joe was my cousin and uncle Joe was my mother\'s brother my mom was Stella Ziemnicki Dollak. our prayers are with your family Blessings Sandy
Mike Augusztin
August 6, 2016
It was nice to see Chris at school functions with his daughters . He would always ask to help and lend a hand in Fathers Club functions .
Rest Easy Chris
Alison Lawrence
August 6, 2016
My thoughts go out to all of Chris's family and close friends. I worked with him at MDR for many years until I retired up to Maine in 2010. He was always fun to work with.
Chuck Romans
August 6, 2016
My condolences and sympathies go out to Penelope, Sasha and family.
I had the pleasure to hire Chris Z at MDR in 2004 and to work very closely with him for many years. When remembering Chris, the one word that comes to mind is passionate. He was always passionate about working with customers, chatting about mountain biking, building PCs, and the pros and cons of Microsoft vs. Apple.
He was generous with his time and knowledge and took many phone calls from my son, Alex, about how to pick a good mountain bike and what parts to buy when he was building his own computer. And because Alex once worked for Apple, there were some good-natured debates about Apple vs. Microsoft.
Chris always seemed to know the latest trends in the social media world. Thus, I was not surprised to recently learn that he was into Pokémon Go.
However, he was most passionate when talking about Penelope and Sasha, which he did on a daily basis.
Chris will be missed. He has left a void in the universe that can never be truly filled.
Chuck Romans
August 6, 2016
My condolences and sympathies go out to Penelope, Sasha and family.
I had the pleasure to hire Chris Z at MDR in 2004 and to work very closely with him for many years. When remembering Chris, the one word that comes to mind is passionate. He was always passionate about working with customers, chatting about mountain biking, building PCs, and the pros and cons of Microsoft vs. Apple.
He was generous with his time and knowledge and took many phone calls from my son, Alex, about how to pick a good mountain bike and what parts to buy when he was building his own computer. And because Alex once worked for Apple, there were some good-natured debates about Apple vs. Microsoft.
Chris always seemed to know the latest trends in the social media world. Thus, I was not surprised to recently learn that he was into Pokémon Go.
However, he was most passionate when talking about Penelope and Sasha, which he did on a daily basis.
Chris will be missed. He has left a void in the universe that can never be truly filled.
August 6, 2016
My heart goes out to the fmily.
Nichole Cook
August 5, 2016
We were a client of MDR. Chris and I happened to be at a conference together when I was on crutches. He offered to take me to dinner and push me around in a wheelchair in Vegas. Such a nice guy. He will be missed. My condolences to his family.
Monica Butz
August 5, 2016
My thoughts and prayers go out to Chris' family during this very difficult time. I had the opportunity to work with Chris and it really was a pleasure. Smart, talented, funny and most of all kind. His face lit up when he talked about his daughters. He will be missed by many. Rest in Peace Chris.
Mike Sweeney
August 5, 2016
My thoughts and prayers go to the family. I worked with Chris for a number of years, and he will be missed.
H
August 4, 2016
Hail C
Vicki Bigham
August 4, 2016
To Chris' family, you are in my heart and prayers during this difficult time. I had several occasions to work with Chris and found him to be professional, talented, and kind. Those who knew him well speak speak positively of him both professionally and personally. I am so sorry for your loss and wish only that his daughters will now have special memories of their father who loved them so.
Stacey Spagnuolo
August 4, 2016
Peace be with you Chris. My sincere sympathy to you and your family.
Justin Sellers
August 4, 2016
For those of us that that where never privileged to meet you face to face. We knew you as our tank. A person to lean on in the ruff World of Warcraft. You where always there every night. With your great comments and jokes. You have been a great part of my life for 10 years. I am honored to say that I knew you. Things won't be the same in Azeroth. Rest in Peace Carbonf
-Wishful-
Darin Thurman
August 4, 2016
We never met in real life Chris, but you were a constant positive presence online for me. Your voice and sense of humor will always be remembered. Rest in peace my friend and my sincere condolences to your family and friends. -Buo
Sandy Redente
August 4, 2016
Chris I didn't know you well but you always had a smile and a hello for me while I worked with you at MDR. Rest in peace Chris.
Sue Karter
August 4, 2016
My heart thoughts and prayers are with the family. This is so very sad, and Chris will be terribly missed by many.
Kimberly Queen
August 4, 2016
You will always be missed , you were a great person an loved your family so much...an even though all our time was in gaming I know you were an amazing person .....my condolences to your family and girls..R.I.P Carbie,
Crissie Donaldson
August 4, 2016
Peace be with Chris and his family. So sorry for your loss.
Isabelle Rollin
August 4, 2016
Even if we never met you in real life....it seems like we lost a big brother......Thank you carby for all the lenghty evening od laughters....may you now rest in peace and keep an eye from up there on your family and on your virtual family of Azeroth.... Rip...
-=SG=-
Josh Owen
August 3, 2016
While we never shared time out in the world, you were the best of people to those of us who knew you in Azeroth. Rest easy my friend, your family is in my prayers.
Showing 1 - 55 of 55 results
Make a Donation
in Christopher Ziemnicki's name
Memorial Events
for Christopher Ziemnicki
Aug
7
Visitation
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Hayes-Huling & Carmon Funeral Home364 Salmon Brook St., Granby, CT 06035
Aug
7
Funeral services provided by:
Hayes-Huling & Carmon Funeral Home364 Salmon Brook St., Granby, CT 06035
How to support Christopher's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Christopher Ziemnicki's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
