John Semeniuk

NEW BRITAIN

John Semeniuk, 101, of New Britain, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2023. He was the loving husband of the late Helen (Plevyak) Semeniuk. John was born in Ostruwek, Poland on February 14, 1922 son of the late Lawrenusz and Anastasia (Duda) Semeniuk. John immigrated to the US in 1950 after being a forced laborer by the German Army at the young age of 18 when Germany invaded Poland. Teaching himself enough of the German language, when the opportunity arose, he escaped from his labor camp and convinced a German farmer to help him. He joined the Allied Forces and served until the end of WWII. He stayed in Germany until 1950 and with the assistance of an American soldier he befriended, the late Arnold Wallace of Ossining, NY, he began his new life in the US. John first resided in Torrington, CT and took whatever jobs he could find, including working the tobacco fields in the Granby/Simsbury area. He also went to night school to learn English and to become a Naturalized Citizen. John went on to become a machinist and retired from Royal Machine & Tool in Berlin, CT in 1991. He met the love of his life Helen at the Polish Club in Torrington while she was visiting family. This began a long-distance courtship between Connecticut and Whites Crossings, PA. They married on November 27, 1958 and relocated to New Britain, CT where he resided until his passing.

John is survived by his son Ric Semeniuk and his wife Terry, of Farmington; step-grandson US Marine Lance Corporal Adam Kingsbury and his wife Shelby of North Carolina; and his cherished daughter and devoted caregiver Ann Semeniuk, with whom he made his home until recently. He is also survived by his "adopted daughter" Christine Choinski, who gave of her time to assist when help was needed with his care. He will be missed deeply by his loyal self-appointed "4 legged" nurse, rescue dog Nikki who loved her "Grandpop" and their walks when he was able.

He was predeceased by his wife Helen, his stepson Eugene Plevyak, his parents and sister in Poland and his first 4-legged grand dogs KC and Jessie.

The family would like to thank his recent facility CNA's Deeva, Nakeisha and Nancy for always showing him compassion and treating him with the utmost respect and dignity.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with John's family on Monday, May 22nd, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Duksa Family Funeral Homes at Burritt Hill, 332 Burritt St., New Britain. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home. He will be laid to rest beside his wife in Sacred Heart Cemetery, New Britain. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Animal Rescue of your choice or the American Heart Association at www.heart.org. To share a condolence with his family, please visit www.duksa.net.

John Semeniuk