William C. Koneazny

KONEAZNY, William C. William C. Koneazny, 77, of New Marlborough, MA and Picayune, MS died at his home on Wednesday, (June 16, 2004) after a short illness. Mr. Koneazny was born in Hartford, on September 28, 1926, the son of John and Chrystene Barhoff Koneazny. He graduated from Weaver High School in 1944. On October 2, 1954 he married Eloise Cecchinato at St. Joseph's Church in Canaan, who survives at home. In addition to his wife, Mr. Koneazny is survived by three daughters, Jean K. Pollock of New Marlborough, MA; Joan K. Lempka of Millbrook, NY; Jenifer K. Clarke of Lakeville, and a son, James G. Koneazny of New Marlborough, MA. Another son, Joseph C. Koneazny, predeceased him. He is survived by 23 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Mr. Koneazny is also survived by two brothers, Col. Jack Koneazny of Sheffield, MA and Richard Koneazny of Canaan. Mr. Koneazny attended King's Point Academy and served with the 503rd M. P. Battalion on detached service where he entertained the troops from 1951- 1953. He also served in the Merchant Marine during World War II and in the Army during the Korean War. In 1945, Mr. Koneazny founded the Peerless Tree Expert Company. He has the distinction of receiving one of the earliest arbor licenses in the State of Connecticut. Beginning in 1947, Mr. Koneazny hosted a weekly radio program out of Torrington, known as the "Bill Wicky Hour". He also was the proprietor of the Pearly Gates Saloon in Sheffield, MA and the founder of Candlelight Catering. Because of his cooking talents, Mr. Koneazny became a renowned chef and served as a restaurant reviewer for the Connecticut Western Newspaper and the Lakeville Journal. He also authored two cookbooks, which combined personal experiences along with recipes he perfected over the years. An avid hunter, Mr. Koneazny was the founder and the charter member of the Canaan Valley Sporting Club. Mr. Koneazny authored two books on the Catholic Faith, "Rendezvous With The Saints" and "Truth, The Sign of Contradiction." He was known throughout his lifetime as one who put his Faith before all else, and was the founder of the "Catholic Rendezvous" seminars, which were hosted on a yearly basis. Calling hours will be held at the Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, Great Barrington, MA on Monday and Tuesday, June 21 and 22 from 4-7 p.m. A Tridentine (Latin) Requiem Mass will be offered at the former St. Patrick's Chapel in Falls Village, on Wednesday, June 23 at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at the St. Joseph's Cemetery in Canaan. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations and Mass requests be made through Our Lady of Sorrows Chapel, 378 Spring St., Orange, CT 06477.