Michael J. Gindek

I am very sorry to read of the passing of Mr. Gindek. I was a student at Lillie B. Haynes from 1970 to 1975. I easily remember him. I have a very good memory of him, as a vice-principal, assisting my 5th grade teacher, Mr. F.X. DeNicola, in contacting the National Football League in reference to a mathematics contest that Mr. DeNicola organized. Mr. Gindek came into the class one day in the spring with signed footballs and small suitcases with the logos of the NFL teams on them as prizes...

Isn't it odd how things happen? I just returned today to Massachusetts having been in Connecticut to deal with arrangements for my mother who had passed away last Friday. I was checking the online, Guest Book listings for my mom on the New London Day site, and saw the entry for Mike.

I grew up in Niantic and attended Niantic Center School in the 1960s, which was just up the road from where we lived. Mr. Gindek was my sixth-grade teacher in 1966. I can still picture his classroom...

In the nearly twenty years that I have known Mike, we have traveled the world, visited each other, and had many wonderful times together. I have lost a friend and the world has lost a good man. May he rest in peace.
Walt Butterfield

James Michael Butterfield

Rest easy, Mr. Gindek. You were a great 4th grade teacher. I never stayed in my seat, didn't follow directions, and couldn't stop talking, but you never held that against me-you always treated me fairly. Thank you for being there for us.

Micky, we all will miss you and your smile very much, good friend, great neighbor. The community,neighborhood and world has lost a wonderfull kind and careing person.

Sorry to hear of cousin, Mike's passing. Although we were not close we always kept in touch now and then. The loss is felt by the Gniadek, Baldyga families. He had a great personality and friendly. Stan Baldyga