William J. Szymanski
South Burlington - William John Szymanski, age 90 of South Burlington died on Saturday, June 29, 2019 in UVM Medical Center following a short illness.
He was born on April 18, 1929 in Pittsfield, MA the son of William and Blanche Gniadek (Szymanski). He was a graduate of Pittsfield High, class of 1947. In November 1957, he was married in Saint John Vianney, South Burlington, VT to Josephine Juiffre. Following High School, he went into the Air Force for four years, serving in Korea from 1951-52 as an aircraft electrician. He was a sergeant when he was discharged in 1952. From 1952-1956, he attended Indiana Institute of Technology where he earned a BS degree in civil engineering. He worked as a civil engineer with the Illinois Highway Department from 1956-1963. He came to South Burlington in June 1963 and joined Webster-Martin Inc, where he had designed and supervised the installation of the city's sewer system. In April 1967, he became city engineer for South Burlington. In November 1971, he took on dual roles as city manager and engineer until his retirement in April 1988. After retirement he continued working part time as an engineer until 2010. In his spare time he was a gentleman's farmer and had many projects at home remodeling and building things such as planters and reupholstering furniture.
He is survived by a son Michael and daughter Karen Dellert (Craig), four grandchildren Madelyn, Samuel, Audrey, Kenzie, a brother John Szymanski, sister Mary Johnson (Gary), many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by sisters Susan Szymanski (1977) and Christine McNair (2007).
Calling hours will take place on Sunday evening from 5-7 pm at Stephen Gregory & Son Cremation Service, 472 Meadowland Drive, Suite 7, South Burlington, VT 05403. Phone 802-985-3523.
A burial service will be held at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph Center, Vermont at a date to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of ones choice supporting heart and stroke research.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Mike, I was deeply saddened by the news of your fathers passing. Our heart felt condolences to you and your family. Doug & Cheryl Marek
July 8, 2019
I knew Bill from the Kiwanis Club of South Burlington.
The obituary describes him as a "part time gentleman's farmer". To me, and I think probably everyone else in the Club, he was simply a full time gentleman.
Condolences to the family.
Richard Shattuck
July 5, 2019
Mike & Karen
My first two weeks of working for the Town of South Burlington in Oct. 1970 was with your dad on a survey job in the south end of town. Bill drove his early 1950s ford pickup back then. It was known Bill could be a little tight at times but his door was always open. It was an honor for me to have worked with and for him all those years. He cared about the City of South Burlington. Gary Rounds
gary rounds
July 5, 2019
Mike and Karen,
So sorry to hear of your loss. I have many fond memories of your dad on the Szymanski Farm growing up. My thoughts and prayers go out to you both.
Bob Vosburgh
July 4, 2019
I worked with Bill since I started with the City of South Burlington in 1980. He was so kind and witty I would forget he was the City Manager and had such a busy, important job!
I have some great pictures that will always remind me of Bill and the fun holiday parties we had. He served on many other boards as well and was a big part of South Burlington when he served. Thank you Bill- you wll be missed.
Laura Kimball
July 3, 2019
Mike & Karen:
I am deeply saddened to read of your dad's passing. I was fortunate to have him hire me as Recreation Director in 1972 and our relationship was more than employer/employee, we were also friends. I remember spending many evenings riding with him as the Kiwanis Club collected many used treasures for the Annual Kiwanis fund raiser. Bill had the only truck in the club and my office was down the hall from his.
I will always be grateful to him for giving me the opportunity to come to South Burlington, a highlight of my forty six year career in Recreation.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time'
Bruce
Bruce O'Neill
July 3, 2019
Mike - sorry for the loss of your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you Barb Robinson
July 3, 2019
Mike I'm so sorry for the loss of your Father ! My thoughts and prayers are with you and Karen. If I can do anything for you please let me know! Love you my friend! CHARLENE
Charlene Barrett Waters
July 3, 2019
Mike and Family, so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jocelyn
Jocelyn Potvin
July 3, 2019
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of William J. Szymanski. May cherished memories, heartfelt prayers, and the loving provision from the God of all comfort bring you hope and solace. (John 3:16)
July 2, 2019
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