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Raymond Bonczek Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Raymond Bonczek
John Melson
October 3, 2007
My sympathies go out the Bonczek family. I remember Ray cutting my hair about 40 years ago. And the Bazooka gum I would get. I was introduced to Ritchie Rich and Beetle Bailey comic books there. It was such a pleasure to get a haircut. We were just back in Simsbury in early July and saw that Ray was recuperating. Thanks for all the memories Ray!
Chuck Wolfe
August 12, 2007
Hello,
My family moved to Simsbury 22 years ago and we asked neighbors for recommendations about doctors, dentists, barbers and others. Ray was highly recommended to me by several people. I began going to him for a haircut and formed a wonderful relationship with him over these past years. He always was kind enough to ask about my family, business, and the sports teams we both enjoyed rooting for. I will miss him very much. He was a great barber and a wonderul human being. My condolences to his family.
Warm regards,
Phil Bruno
August 7, 2007
For me, losing Ray meant losing an Uncle, but worse. From the time I was very little, Ray's shop was not only a place to get a haircut, but to spend some time with a truly great guy. Even at a young age, Ray treated me like a grandson. Looking back, I realize that's just how Ray was. He held no malice, and loved everybody as though they were his own.
As I grew older, I remember Ray coming to a couple of my Little Leage games. "That boy could 'trow' the ball," he used to say. Driving down Firetown Road was a treat because it would mean that Ray might be out walking. The mere site of the man coupled with his friendly wave was enough to brighten anybody's day.
In middleschool, I'd visit atleast once or twice a week after intramurels; just to talk baseball, girls, or anything else really. I only got/get my hair cut once every 4-6 months, but that didn't matter. Whenever I came into the shop Ray would make me feel special, and even kept the long-hair jokes to a minimum (one every 10 minutes or so). In those days, I'd walk out of Ray's still sweaty and tired from flag football, handball, (or whatever the given sport may have been) but always happier and one piece of bazooka gum richer.
Ray was one of the few good people left on this earth. Even this past year when he was battling his sickness, he never lost his spirit. When he was strong enough to open up the shop, I would always stop in to say hi and we would have some good talks (much to the chagrin of my English teacher. Tardiness on days the shop was open was as chronic as the good feelings you'd get when you pulled into Ray's). Not once in any of those talks would Ray ever complain; not once would anything negative come from his mouth. Ray is an inspiration to me, and I feel honored to have known the man.
Rest in peace, Ray. You are loved and missed and never forgotten. I hope that I am some day able to be half the man you were.
Phil Bruno
Liz and Rob and Family Keppel
August 7, 2007
We were blessed to have Ray in our lives. He welcomed my Dad (who refused to get a haircut before he came to CT until he saw Ray)from Pittsburgh each visit with a haircut and warm loving welcome. Our son and my husband spent many Saturday mornings chatting with Ray and came home the better. We loved him. We loved his tomatoes, his humor, his beautiful faith and his intelligent wit. He was the cornerstone of Simsbury. Our prayers and blessings to his wonderful family.
Liz and Rob Keppel
Justin and Julia
Matt O.
August 7, 2007
Please except my deepest condolences, and remote participation in celebrating this life. I used to walk to Ray's from our old house on Great Pond Road. He let me tear pages out of comic books, take an extra Bazooka bubblegum or Atomic Fireball and put up with me and my brothers arguing in his shop. Ray was always a legend to us, an outstanding human being, humble and kind and hilarious. Rest well.
Jim Gallagher, Jr
August 6, 2007
Living in California for the last 20 years, I would try and time my haircuts so I could visit Ray when I came back to Simsbury. He knew everyone and had all the local news. It was visiting family. When we were young, 5 or 6, Firetown Road had no stop signs,so Ray would leave the shop, take our hands and walk my brothers and I across the street. Leaving his customers for the moment, making sure we were alright. He cut the hair of 5 generations of my family. He will be sorely missed. What a Gentlemen, what a huge loss. My most sincere condolences to the Bonczek family.
Aydin Sevimli
August 6, 2007
I remember going to Ray's shop when I was 4 or 5 years old in the early 90's, and I remember Ray sitting me up on that famous little red chair, and I just felt so comfortable. Then after a few years my father drove me to his close friend Rick's barber shop for haircuts and I don't think I've been to Ray's for about 8-10 years. When I was about 15 I walked to Ray's for the first time in years and as soon as I walked in he greeted me and actually remembered me. He told me about my past haircuts, stories from the war, what Simsbury was like back in the 50's and about how he defended himself from bullies who picked on him in school because he was a farmer's son. He was such a tough, kind, gentle, and funny man and I have a huge respect for him. He cut hair till the very end, and loved it so much. I envy his motivation to live life to the fullest and never give up what you love and stand for.
Ray always made me feel comfortable whenever I was in there and always remembered the haircut I liked. I always went back and forth between Ray's and Rick's but Ray always made you feel at home and like many people have said, his shop must be turned into a historical landmark because he really is a legend in our little town and that place should always be there.
God bless you Ray and I hope one day we'll meet again. Until then you'll be in my heart and memories.
Paul Henault
August 6, 2007
Ray gave my son David his first haircut and still remembered it 19 years later. He was one of the most pleasant people to be around and made everyone feel at ease. I regret only learning of his passing this morning and not being able to pay my respects. He will be missed by us all.
Richard Roach
August 6, 2007
I had the pleasure of growing up next door to Ray in the 1950's. I remember many hours spent "working" at the barbershop. What a great place for a young boy to be able to hang out! I will always be greatful for Ray's kind and supportive nature. At this difficult time may his family be comforted by the knowledge that he had a positive impact on so many people.
Richard (Ricky) Roach
am willcox
August 5, 2007
Dear John Cathy Peter and Jamie
You have our deepest sympathy on the passing of your Dad
Our best to all in the family
Love Am& Jim Willcox
Richard and Mary Briggs
August 4, 2007
We would like to add our tribute to Ray. Our sons, now 28 and 24, each had his first haircuts at Ray's Barber Shop. They loved to go to Ray's and talk to him about baseball. We remember his story about cutting Stan Musial's hair and about his trips to Arizona where he watched spring training games. Long after the boys moved away and no longer visited his shop, he always remembered them and was interested in how they were doing. It was always a pleasure to visit Ray's Barber Shop. He will be missed and fondly remembered by many.
C,M,V,B & B Baranowski
August 4, 2007
Dear Mom Bonczek, John, Cathy, Peter & Jamie,
What a beautiful tribute for a beautiful man. We are so happy to have known him as part of our extended family. Our thoughts go out to you and all of Dad Bonczek's family and friends, as we know he will be greatly missed. May memories shared give you peace.
Love & prayers,
Celeste, Michael, Veronica, Brendan & Blade XOXOXOX
Justin Minalga
August 4, 2007
He was a great Barber and friend.
Justin. (age 12)
Mary & Walter Mitchell
August 4, 2007
Simsbury has lost a Town Hero and a Living legend ,and will be missed by all. We all have many good memories and stories to tell about Ray but the one I'll never forget was when he gave my oldest son Mark his first haircut in 1949. We want to send our sympathy to all the family at this time..
Roger Thompson
August 4, 2007
Ray the Barber- What a GREAT person. I will always remember the stories he told while getting your hair cut. I was a customer from the early 50's and Ray was just wonderful. He truly is a Simsbury legend.
Thomas Roach
August 4, 2007
Living next door to a family of nine kids would be trying for anyone. Ray and Wanda did it with kindness and generosity. He was a fine man.
David Rocha
August 3, 2007
Ray was one of the first people I knew in Simsbury when I walked in for a haircut and each visit was filled with anticipation. His good humor, his colorful stories and how he remembered everything I ever told him sitting in his chair was amazing. What a beautiful man he was...an absolute treasure and I will will miss him.
Cheryl Hansen
August 3, 2007
I met Ray on a Sunday morning having coffee with my brother Bob and his wife Leeann. I had the pleasure many times after that first visit, to be there when Ray came for his coffee and bearing gifts. He was an amazing man and I only wish I had had the chance to know him better.
My sympathy goes out to his family I know he will be missed.
Stephen Hess
August 3, 2007
Growing up in town one of my favorite memories was going to get my hair cut at Ray's. As i got older the time i spent at his shop got longer and the talks that we have had over the years come to mind. Ray will always be an inspiration to me and will be missed greatly. My heartfelt thoughts go out to the family
Kristen Roach Thompson
August 3, 2007
My father never told many stories, but my sister and I knew, from a very early age, about Ray. As a boy, dad used to do work for Ray around the shop. Ray's kindness and respect meant more to my dad, and, in turn, to me, than can be described.
Farewell, Ray. May heaven give you a hero's welcome.
Joanne Daybre
August 3, 2007
Barry and I wish to send our love to all of you at this difficult time. Mr. B's sense of humor and laugh will always remain in our memory.
Ron Domurat Jr.
August 3, 2007
So sad to hear of the passing of Ray. I was proud to call him "Uncle Ray" as his family and my grandparents families were close friends back in the "fatherland". It was great to visit Uncle Ray for a haircut, a piece of gum, and a history of Baseball in Simsbury. Ray's shop should be a historical landmark in Simsbury.
Nathan Church
August 3, 2007
I’ll remember Ray forever for the great stories and wonderful cheer I was treated to while getting a haircut in his shop. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones.
August 3, 2007
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH RAY'S FAMILY HE WILL TRULY BE MISSED HERE AT THE CANCER CENTER.FROM THE NURSING ASSISTANTS CARMEN,BLANCA,SARA,AND GLORIVY.
Richard E. Ostop
August 3, 2007
Dear Family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. I will remember Ray as a friend and neighbor. Going to the Barber Shop was more than a haircut. He will be missed by many.
Lee Ann McAllister
August 3, 2007
Ray was one of my best friends. I will forever remember his visits to my house for coffee every Sunday, his vegetables in the summer, and his beautiful presence in my life. I miss him already. To Julia and his family I send my heartfelt love to you all for this great loss. The world is a sadder place today because our Ray is gone.
Jack Wilson
August 3, 2007
Ann and I were very surprised to read about Ray's passing.I will always treasure my visits at the shop for my haircut.He seemed to know every athlete that I coached over the many years.He certainly was admired by every sport fan. Our best wishes to the family. Sincerely, Ann and Jack Wilson
Alex Rudewicz
August 3, 2007
Dear Family, was so saddened to read of Ray's passing. His face and barber shop were a landmark in Simsbury. He will be missed.
Dr. Rudewicz
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