John DEMERSKI

1935 - 2015

John Demerski, 80, a life-long resident Bristol, passed away peacefully at Bristol Hospital on Tuesday June 2, 2015. Born May 10, 1935 in Bristol, he was the son of the late Edward and Rose (Kania) Demerski. John attended Mary A. Callen for grammar school and went on to graduate from Bristol High School in 1953. After graduation, he went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army and the National Guard from 1953 to 1961 until he was honorably discharged as a Battalion Sergeant Major from the 169th Infantry Regiment, 43d Infantry Division. Following his time in the service, he worked for several companies to include American Hardware Corp. (Emhart) in Berlin; did special assignments as a production specialist to Corbin Wood Products in Hornell, NY; and Clarksdale, M.S.; was a purchasing manager for Fenn Manufacturing Co. in Newington; along with running his own business John's Hardware in Bristol. Outside of work, John was the leader of the Villagers Polka Band that performed throughout CT, MA, RI, NY, NJ, GA, FL, PA and OH. Their numerous followers were called the Villagers Travel Club and travelled by car, bus or plane to where ever they played. He was inducted into the International Polka Music Hall of Fame in 2007. He was called upon to be a judge in the polka division of the New York Daily News Harvest Moon Ball at Madison Square Garden. He had polka music shows over WRYM, WBIS and WNTY radio. He leaves his beloved companion of 26 years and dear friend Ms. Lorraine Matusovich; along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his brothers Stanley, Bennie and Walter; his sisters Bertha Mitchell, Helen Kowol, Anna Sonchick, Stella Valley and Charlotte Suslenko. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St Stanislaus Church, Bristol, on Friday, June 5, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Bristol. Calling hours will be held at the O'Brien Funeral Home, 24 Lincoln Ave., Forestville, on Friday morning, from 8:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. before leaving in procession for church. Memorial contributions can be made in John's name to the IPA, 4608 S. Archer Ave., Chicago, IL 60632. For online condolences, please visit www.obrien-funeralhome.com