ALEKSANDER CIECHANSKI

Aleksander Ciechanski, a resident of Merritt Island, passed away in his sleep at his home, on February 3, 2012. He is survived by his widow, Maria Tunicka, former conductor of the Brevard Symphony and Space Coast Philharmonic; Berenika, a daughter in Poland.

Mr. Ciechanski's 85 years were full of accomplishments and talents, the chief being his brilliant career as a classical cellist. His early days were spent as principal cellist for the Warsaw National Philharmonic during which time he also was a member of the Warsaw Piano Quintet with pianist Wladyslaw Szpilman, the central character in the Academy Award winning movie "Pianist". Following his and his wife's move to the United States in 1968, Mr. Ciechanski joined the St. Louis Symphony, where he served until his retirement in the late 1990s.

A gifted craftsman and inventor, he engaged in many projects, especially the design and construction of his life-long dream, a 60 foot long steel-hulled sailboat on which he planned live and travel with his wife. Sadly, ill health kept him from completing it, but nevertheless, he spent many happy days in the building process. His final project was a hand-made cello, entirely fitting for a man who was such a master of the instrument.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am, Thursday, February 9, 2012 at Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Merritt Island.

Please sign Ciechanski's guestbook at www.beckman-williamson.com.