Name: Visitation for James J. Zapatka
Start: 2016-04-29T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2016-04-29T23:00:00.000Z
Location: Newington Memorial Funeral Home

On Sunday, April 24, 2016, James J. Zapatka, 77, passed away at St. Francis Hospital. Born in New Britain, CT on September 3, 1938, he was the son of the late Walter & Anna Zapatka. He was a 1961 graduate of UCONN and had worked many years for United Technologies. His love of sports and community had him involved with Newington Friends of Football, Pop Warner, and coaching basketball with Newington Parks & Recreation. He was also an avid golfer at Indian Hill Country Club. Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Marcia (Gutkowski) Zapatka, his sons; Michael Zapatka and wife Beth of Avon, Mark Zapatka and his partner Sophia Cronenbold, of South Pasadena, CA & Jason Zapatka and wife Paola of Thousand Oaks, CA, a brother Donald Zapatka and wife Erna of Old Lyme, and seven grandchildren who he adored; Zachary, Madison, Alexandra, Olivia, Adam, Kasia, & Max. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 30, at 10:00 AM, meeting directly at St. Mary's Church. Burial will be private. Relatives and friends are welcome to call on Friday from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at Duksa Family Funeral Homes at Newington Memorial, 20 Bonair Ave., Newington. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be directed to St. Mary's Church, 626 Willard Ave., Newington, CT 06111 or to The UConn Foundation, Inc. - Athletics, written to UConn Foundation Inc., P.O. Box 842614, Boston, MA 02284. To share a memory or blessing with the Zapatka family, please visit us on-line at www.duksa.net.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Hartford Courant on Apr. 27, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for James Zapatka

Sponsored by the family.

14 Entries

Kevin Flynn

April 30, 2016

Mark and Family Penny and I send our Condolences and prayers.
He was a great man!

Daniel Bucko

April 30, 2016

My name is Daniel Bucko from Poland. It is with great sadness that James passed away.
He was my grandmother's distant cousin. I always read the New Britain newspapers to keep track of my relatives who
immigrated there. James's grandparents were from Dabrowa, Poland, where I was born.

My family wants you to know that we are thinking of your family and are sorry for your loss.

If you wish to contact me please email me at - [email protected]

Steven Palumbo

April 29, 2016

On behalf of my Family, I would like to extend my condolences to the Zapatka Family. I'll always remember how you welcomed me into your home when I visited Jason when we were in college. An incredibly warm and welcoming Family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you and, especially, to your Dad. God Bless.

April 28, 2016

Marcia,
So sorry to hear of the passing of your husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Alex S. (Neuro)

Bill Sweeney Sweeney Jr

April 28, 2016

Marcia and Family - My condolences to you and your family on losing Jim. We drifted apart over the years but that is what happens in life. I can relate to your anguish at this time as I went through the same thing almost 5 years ago but I can tell you it will get better and you will fondly remember all the good things and times you had together. I will keep you and you family in my thoughts and prayers.

April 27, 2016

I am so sorry for your loss. I hope Jeremiah 29: 11, 12 brings you some comfort during this difficult time.

April 27, 2016

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Dennis Bartnik

April 27, 2016

Marcia,
My sincere condolences to you and your family on Jim's passing.
Dennis Bartnik, Farmington, Ct.

Dick Sederquist

April 27, 2016

Marcia,
With great sadness, I read Jim's obituary in the Hartford Courant this morning. We haven't been in contact for the last three to four years, but we go back a long time. Jim was one of my supporters during the worst time in my life suffering from severe depression. My debt to Jim is eternal. Marcia, please send me an email when things have quieted down for you. I'm away this weekend and cannot attend the services for Jim, That doubles my sadness for you and your family. Dick Sederquist (860 632 0278, [email protected])

Valerie Backman-Peplau

April 27, 2016

So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Newington Memorial Funeral Home Duksa Family Funeral Homes

April 27, 2016

With deepest sympathy during your time of mourning.

Brian Neal

April 26, 2016

Dear Marcia & entire Zapatka family;

My family and I send our deepest condolences to you. Jason has always spoke lovingly of his father with his friends, so Jim's passing is also felt by those of us who enjoyed hearing about that close father/son connection. We send our love and you're all in our thoughts.

Rita Kochanowicz

April 26, 2016

Dear Marcia and Family,
I was so sorry to hear of the Jim's passing. I will always remember the sporting events we attended together watching our boys play basketball and football. Jim will always have a special place in your hearts. God Bless him and your family.

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