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David Chmielecki Obituary
CHMIELECKI, David A. David A. Chmielecki, 67, of Rockville, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend ended his journey here on earth on Wednesday, (January 18, 2006) surrounded by his loving family at home. Born in Hartford, he was the son of the late Lucian and Josephine (Kapinos) Chmielecki. David resided in Rockville for the past 41 years. Mr. Chmielecki had been employed by Travelers Ins. Co. for many years before retiring in February 2005. David served in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Antartica. He was a loving foster father to many and a very "special" uncle to many nieces and nephews. David and his wife, JoAnna, participated in costume as Charles Dickens and Mrs. Claus in the annual Dickens Day. David was dedicated to the Rockville community and was a member of the Vernon Democratic Town Committee, Rockville Downtown Association, School Building Advisory Commission, Christmas in April NRZ and other commissions too numerous to list. David also participated in many Veterans for Peace marches. He and his wife of 44 years, JoAnna B. Chmielecki, who predeceased him on January 15, 2006, raised nine children: JoAnna Ridzon and her husband, William of Vernon, Davida Ridzon and her husband, Jeffery of Tolland, Julie Chmielecki of Meriden, Darcey Gardner and her fiance, James Space of Rockville, Janelle Marella and her husband, Paul of Ellington, David Chmielecki, II and Cassandra Danio of West Hartford, Thomas Chmielecki and Natasha Finn of East Hartford, Joseph and Sara of Rockville and Meggie Chmielecki of Rockville. He also leaves his beloved and cherished grandchildren: Jenny, Edward and Emma Ridzon, Lacey and Jesse Gallison, Alyssa and Giannina Chmielecki- Callahan, David and Nicholas Gardner, Nicole, Alexandra and Madison Marella, David Soto and Taliya Chmielecki and their mom, Wanda Soto, Tristen Chmielecki, Michael Deane, Ryan and Eric Chmielecki and Daryl and Anthony Ridzon and a special family friend, Pauline Aldrich. Also his loving pets, Mitzy and George. David also leaves four sisters, Josephine Brightman, Helen Andrews and Ted Kiejna, Barbara and Ralph Dziadul and Mabel and Norman Coffman; and four brothers, Lucian and Aurora Chmielecki, Carl and Grace Chmielecki, Richard and Fern Chmielecki and Henry Chmielecki. David also leaves his sister- in-law, Marlene Carney and a brother-in-law, Wilbur Barkyoumb. The family sends special thanks to Dr. Anthony Posteraro of Davis, Posteraro & Wasser and the entire staff at the DeQuattro Community Cancer Centers in Manchester and Vernon. Visiting hours will be held TODAY, at 4-8 p.m. at Burke-Fortin Funeral Home, 76 Prospect Street, Rock-ville. A funeral service will be held Friday, January 20, at 11 a.m. at Union Congregational Church, 3 Elm Street, Rockville. Burial will follow at Valley Falls Cemetery, Valley Falls Road, Vernon. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, Hockanum Valley Community Council, Inc. and the Cornerstone Foundation. Burke-Fortin Funeral Home, Rockville, has care of arrangements.
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Memories and Condolences
for David Chmielecki
Sponsored by The Family.
Davida Ridzon
December 13, 2012
Dad Christmas is upon us and all I think about is how you wanted to share the love, kindness and joy of the holiday with everyone. You and mom made it amazing and you taught us that it was about family and love. You wanted to share it with the less fortunate and those who were alone. What a selfless man you were even when you were sick. Your polish traditions of Christmas are still marching on. I miss you and mom so much and until we meet again, Merry Christmas. I love you.
Davida Ridzon
September 27, 2011
Dad it seems like yesterday since you left. The struggles of life come and go on a daily basis. I'm so lost without you. I miss our talks, laughs and dreams. I always know when you are sending me a sign because I hear that Josh Groban song. You taught me well because when I'm doubting myself, there you are, as if to say you are making the right decision. You will always be a part of me and I'll always love you. Just wish you were here to share in the joys and heartaches. Forever missing you. Love, Davida
August 18, 2010
Dad,
I miss you so much it hurts. We are just going through the motions. The family is still struggling but we are all trying. We are so lost without you and mom. We looked to you both for so much, you were our strength and inspiration. Life is not the same and it will never be. I hear your signs all around me, Josh Groban - You Lift Me Up. When I'm thinking about you and asking myself, what would dad or mom do, how would they react to this situation, that song comes on. I know you are watching over me giving me strength to do the right thing. I look at pictures of you and mom and for a moment you are here. I'm glad you are together and not suffering anymore. Take care of mom and give her a kiss for me. I LOVE YOU MORE EVERY DAY. Davida
Julie Chmielecki
August 9, 2008
Hi Dad,
I dreamt of you and mom last night. It was so nice to see you both. I woke up feeling as if I had just spent a whole day with you. God I miss you and mom so much.
You have a new grandson, his name is Israel. I know you both would love him. He's a good boy.
I love you Dad.
Love,
Julie
Christine Hearst
January 29, 2007
The world lost two wonderful people. I also miss them very much, even though I didn't get back to Connecticut to visit. He was a wonderful man, and did a lot for me, as well. My love to all of you.
Christine Zurawek (Hearst)
Orange, California
meggie chmielecki
January 18, 2007
Dad,
I miss you. This year has been a real eye opener for me. I never thought that I could miss anybody as much as I have you and mom. Sometimes I still think that this is a bad dream and I am going to wake up and have the chance hug the both of you again. I love you.
Continuing to keep your memory alive is something that each of us is trying to do.This world was a better place when you and mom were here. I love and miss you everyday.
Meggie
Julie
January 14, 2007
Hey Dad,
We all miss you so much!! Just wanted to share with you and others that this guestbook will remain open indefinitely. I love you. Julie
JOANNE RIDZON
January 1, 2007
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD..NEW BABY ON WAY # 22 . YOUR FAMILY STILL GOES ON . THINKING OF YOU EVERYDAY . LOVE GINA
Julie Chmielecki
January 1, 2007
Happy Birthday Dad!! Miss you so much! As I have already told mom we have veggie lasagna today but don't worry there are still peirogies left. We are cooking the onions right now. Going to send out some donations in your name. I heard Dickens Day was a success this year. Many of the Chmielecki's ran /walked in the Christmas Day Road race. Love and Miss you both so much!! I think of you both every day. Much love, Julie
Alex-12 grandchild- Marella
December 24, 2006
It is Christmas Eve and it has been almost a year, this will be the hardest holiday of them all. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!! If you would like to make a donation in memory of David and JoAnna please donate to the Amererican Cancer Society. Thankyou very much
Alex marella
May 23, 2006
I am one of the grandchildren please if you would like to make a donation in memory of David and David please give it to The American Cancer Society
Granddauhgter #12 -Alex
March 21, 2006
I am the 12th grandkid. I am very proud to be a grandchild of both JoAnna, David Chmielecki. They were great role models to everyone. I just wish they could have been around longer for the little grandchildren. At least they got to meet them. I have a lot of memorys. I remember spending the day with nana at the hospitol with her always having quarters in her night stand drawer. Having me going down stairs and getting candy for all the grandkids and the company she had. I remember sleeping at the hospitol in the chair that turned into a bed. It was so uncompfortable. I remeber after cheerleading everyday after school, we would go to my grandparents and I would spend the afternoon with my grandfather. He wouldd tell me all these stories. In school everyday I couldnt wait until the day and practice was over so i could get over there. When we had no school I would go over there and help him. The night of the 14th of January I was sleeping over my uncles house. THat night my uncle said that the next day we would have a lot of fun and go meet my mom at the hospitol around 1:00 pm. THat morning he woke me up and said we had to get to the hospitol but didnt tell me why. I then new that something must be wrong. We got there and I looked quickly in my granmothers room and saw all her things being packed up. I saw my mom and asked if she would be coming home. That is when she told me that she had past away. I was so upset. Then we were going to have the wake on wednesday and the funeral on thursday . Then on wednesday my grandfather passed away. That pose poned everything. We had the wake on thursday and the funeral on friday. I hope my family will not get sad but they will remember all the good times like nana being mrs. claus and dziadziu being Charles Dickens. I MISSSSSSSSSSSSSS NANA AND DZIADZIU SOOOOOOOOO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think that every night it is not true and that i would go to school have practice and see them both but i know that i wont see them until later in my life. I wish i could see and talk to them again
I love my nana and dziadziu
I hope to see all my family soon!!!
Davida Ridzon
March 10, 2006
Dad,
Where do I begin. This coming Wednesday will be eight weeks since you passed away. I would give anything to push you in the wheelchair, help you get dressed and stay up half the night when you wanted to talk. I'll never forget the things you said about the importance of family and loving one another. You used to tell me that if something happened to you that I was to make sure we took care of mom and one another. Look out for your brother and sisters you used to say. In the blink of an eye we were celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas and your birthday. We were celebrating the fact that mom had one treatment to go. And then we woke up from this terrible nightmare and you were both gone. I keep telling myself you will be back. I go to sleep at night and think to myself, I'll see him tomorrow. Then I wake up and realize I'll never see or talk to you again. We still have so much to talk about. I loved helping and taking care of you and I'd do it all over again in a minute. I'd do anything to have you back. I miss your smile, your hugs and kisses. Even in the worst of times, you never gave up, you always had hope. You never stopped believing in a miracle and you never let your children and grandchildren stop believing. You were always the strength for us and I believe that is why it's so hard for me to get on with my everyday life. I'm looking for the strength you had. Deep down I know your in a better place and someday I will see you again and we can catch up on everything. Until that day, please know I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU EVERY DAY. Love, your daughter Davida
Lacey Gallison
January 26, 2006
To my Family,
I love YOU all sooo MUCH! We will get through this hard time. This is when we need each other the most. Im soo sad to see him go....I MISS him soooo. I realized that the past couple months when i would help out at nana's w/ him that I really wanted to help out. Im so glad i got to help him, and be there for him. I got to spend more time w/ him then i ever have b4. Just know I'm always hear for all of you and I love YOU LOTS! They would both want us to remember them, they raised 9 wonderful children and helped raise 21+ wonderful grandchildren.
Love Always & Forever,
Lacey Lovely Locks
Samantha Theriaque(formerly-Socha)
January 24, 2006
To the Chmielecki Family: I am very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you in this time of loss.
Abby Principato
January 23, 2006
The Chmielecki & Family,
I went to and graduated from Rockville High School with Joe in 1997. People always say " I am sorry for your loss" and from experience, I know sorry doesn't always help but I always try to shed the light on the good and happy times. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
With Sympathy,
Abby Marie Principato
Debbie McCaffery
January 22, 2006
To Dave, Cassandra and the Chmielecki Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very sad time.
Love, Debbie, Jeff & Children
Loretta Bryda
January 20, 2006
My dear ((((cousins)))):
There are no words that I can say that will ease your pain ., But know that I love you all so much. I will miss Uncle Dave so very much. I will always keep him in my heart and always remember what he has taught me through the years.He has given me so much love. I will always feel proud and honored to have been his niece., and I will always be proud of him for what he has accomplished in his life and for how he touched so many hearts. May God be with you all!!
Love, hugs and kisses,
Loretta xoxoxox
Cathy Gibbons
January 20, 2006
To the Chmielecki Family. I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your mother and father. I know it is a difficult time. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Marty Chmielecki
January 20, 2006
To the "kids": Your Uncle Richard has kept us informed of your Mom and Dad's struggles throughout the years. They have been in our thoughts and prayers for a long time now and all of you will continue to be. I also worked at the Travelers (1978-1986) and used to run into David quite often. He always was smiling, loved his job and just being with people. (His pocket would be full of wooden tipped cigars.) All of us in SC will be thinking of you. Corky, Kathy, Uncle Frank & Aunt Helen Chmielecki
Stanely Socha Jr.
January 20, 2006
To the Chmielecki Family: I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother and Father. Thinking of you, Stanley Socha Jr.
Jay Melendy
January 19, 2006
I met Mr & Mrs Chmielecki in 1991 when I was attending VCMS while my mother was working with Mrs. Chmielecki in the cafeteria. It was then when I met my good friend Joe. They were both extremely caring and loving people who would go out of there way to make others happy. Their door was always open for anyone no matter what. I feel priveliged to have had the opportunity to know both of them and to Joe and the rest of the family, I am deeply sorry for your loss and my thoughts are with you all.
Patrick Gilnite
January 19, 2006
Julie, We went to high school together . I extend my deepest sympathy , for such tragic and painful losses. There are certainly no words , only heavy hearts and prayers . ~For Julie ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ When did the clouds become so grey , so cold the rain .... How could there be a day I would know so much pain ? Will I again , see the clear blue sky ? Clouded not , are the memories . Memories , of you and I . ... An old friend , Patrick
Meredith Sullivan
January 19, 2006
I was deeply saddened to hear of Dave's passing. Dave touched so many lives. He will truly be missed. May your many wonderful memories help you through this difficult time.
Debbie and Frank Cox
January 19, 2006
Davida and family,Alex. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. I am so very sorry for your loss of both your parents and grandparents.They are both together in a beautiful place with no pain or suffering and will always be looking down to guide each and everyone of their family and friends. Alex if at anytime you need anything please let me know I will see you at school but I am also here if you need anything after school. Davida, stay strong, Frank and I are here if you need anything big or small.
Carol Dobson (Boon)
January 19, 2006
My sincere sympathy to Dave's family. Dave and I worked and car pooled together for many years. He was a wonderful man. May Dave and JoAnna rest in peace together.
Carol Dobson
NICOLE RAMSDEL
January 19, 2006
TO THE CHMIELECKI FAMILY,
THOUGH I DID NOT KNOW MR. CHMIELECKI. I HAD THE PLEASURE OF WORKING WITH HIS TWO BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS. ALL THE STORIES THAT WERE TOLD MADE ME BELIEVE HE WAS A CARING MAN WHO GAVE BACK TO HIS COMMUNITY. I CAN'T GO INTO WALMART WITH OUT HEARING JANELLE'S VOICE SAYING MY FATHER WOULD NEVER GO IN THERE. NOW HEAVEN HAS RECIEVED TWO SPEACIAL ANGELS. THEY WILL CONTINUE TO WORK FROM THE OTHER SIDE. LISTEN CLOSELY AND YOU CAN HEAR THEM.
YOUR ARE IN OUR PRAYERS,
NICOLE & NOAH
Janice & Richard Chasse
January 19, 2006
Meggie: Sending our deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your Dad. May you be comforted by many fond memories of both your Mom and Dad, knowing that they are at peace, and knowing that one day you will all be together again. With our thoughts and prayers, your friends from Baci's, Janice & Richard
Nadine Holmes
January 19, 2006
My sincere condolences ~
The loss of these two people for this family is a pain that I'm sure is like no other.
I wish all of you the strengh you need to get through this very difficult time.
Find this strength through one another, and know that this is not "good-bye" to these two people you love but "until we meet again"
Find peace in knowing as they had in real life, they are walking hand in hand to another place ~ together.
My prayers are with you all ~
Heidi Barkyoumb
January 19, 2006
Nothing I can say will make your pain any easier just know that I think of you all often and that I love you. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers. I have many good memories of Aunt Nanny and Uncle David playing Cards with mom and dad (Peggy and Maxie). I regret that my children have not gotten to know everyone as they should. Life is short. Take care All my love Heidi. Emma and Cord
Padraig Locke
January 19, 2006
Dear Meg & Family
I encountered some glorious people in my life but until that sweet day
when i had the luxury of shaking and hugging Joanna and Dave,could I
truly know the difference between glorious people and legendary people,they not only loved and helped their own family they helped the people in need when others neglicted them.
They not only touched and inspired and elevated their family and friends,they raised me up,a young man from Ireland who was lonely in America,they gave me warmth and effection when i was cold,they made me a better person,cheers Joanna and Dave,the world today is worse off without yee in it and heaven is celebrating your arrival.
Slan go foil ar dheis de go raibh a anam(Gaelic for bye for now may you rest in peace amen.)
Padraig Locke
Lois Classon
January 19, 2006
I am so sorry to hear of Dave's passing. I had the pleasure of knowing Dave through the Travelers Insurance Company. Dave was always smiling and had a kind word to say to everyone. He used to bring us warm peanuts from the Planters Peanut Store here in Hartford. He will be truly missed.
Charles Buder
January 19, 2006
To The Family of JoAnna and David,
I want to extend my extreme
sympathy to all of you. Having the privledge to work with David over 30 years and getting to know about the whole Family and what you all meant to David cannot be expressed in words. He taught me alot about work and also and more important about life. He taught all of us to stick up for your rights and if you felt something was wrong, that you can maybe make a difference. I'll always remember David as an influence in my life and I'll always be grateful for having the chance to work with David and getting to know him.
Buddy
Sharon Danio
January 19, 2006
Dear Chmielecki Family, our hearts ache for you all at this time of your incredible loss. May the love of your family surround you with comfort and strength and peace. With our prayers...Jai Bhagwan...
Om Shanti...Peace
Sharon Danio & Joel Peters
& our family
Bernice and Neal Colbath
January 19, 2006
Our deepest Sympathy to your family at this time of great sorrow. You will be in our prayers.
(Regards from Fern's sister Bernice and brother-in-law Neal).
Anne Kaljulaid
January 19, 2006
I just wanted to express my sincere condolences to your family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I worked with Dave in RMIS at Travelers for almost 19 years. He was always kind, extremely generous, and always a gentleman. Please know that he touched so many lives and left us with so many wonderful memories. God Bless. Anne
Brian Johnson
January 19, 2006
To the Chmielecki family --
I knew Dave from work at Travelers and graduated from Rockville High in 1989 so I knew of the Chmieleckis before. I read the article today in the Courant, and though I'm very sad I'm also full of admiration for a guy whose actions showed to the very last what an exceptional, complete person he was. My sincere condolences.
Eric Zurawek
January 19, 2006
Your Dad was a great man, a great father and a great uncle. He will be missed but I know we will all see him again.
All my love.
Eric
alex marella
January 19, 2006
Hi family
I love you a real lot i hope you know how much both Nana and Dziadziu loved us. THey would never want to see us upset. Now lets remember when nana was Mrs.Claus and Dziadziu was Charles Dickens. Remember how many organizations he was in. Like Dickens day, Christmas in April
WE love you Nana and Dziadziu.
Love
alexandra
Lana Schuck
January 19, 2006
My condolences to the family. I only met Dave a few times, but I had worked with him for over 13 years. He created and maintained many reports in the Travelers database for our company, Newell Rubbermaid. It was a joy to work with him. He was truly a gentleman in every sense of the word. It is my hope that your faith will see you through.
Helene Longest (Boucher)
January 19, 2006
Dear family and friends, Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. David was a very dear and special friend to many of us and will surely be missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Remember the wonderful memories you have shared as they will sustain you during this difficult time. God Bless you all. Helene
Joyce Yoo
January 19, 2006
I would like to extend my sympathy and prayers to the family of Dave and JoAnna. Dave and I were "buddies" at work. Being his neighbor, I had the opportunity to benefit from his experiences and wisdom. One of his favorite things to do at work was to put out candy for all in the department. If the dish was empty he always refilled it. He also filled people's "dishes" by offering sound advice and listening with compassion to anyone who approached him. I have benefited greatly from his wisdom and guidance. I will always remember Dave and his favorite radio station, WJMJ, and how he always counted down the days to Spring. Dave was always a gentleman and a compassionate man. I will miss him greatly.
Audra (Destromp) & John St. Amour
January 19, 2006
Please know that we are thinking of all of you even though we can not be there. Uncle David and Aunt Nanny will be greatly missed!!!! They were the most caring people. If there is anything that we can do, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Bryan Flint
January 19, 2006
Dave and JoAnna always went out of their way to help others. Their commitment to Rockville and especially the people of Rockville will never be forgotten. We’re all going to miss this fine couple and we just hope their family understands the special place that Dave and JoAnna will always occupy in the hearts of those who knew them.
Peace Brother and Sister, well done good and faithful servants
Wanda Hutcheson
January 19, 2006
Words cannot express how sorry we are for your new loss. We regret that we won't be able to make it up there, however, our hearts will be with you now and during the days that follow. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. We wish there were words to say that could make this time easier to bear. May God's love and peace carry and comfort you. With all our love, yor cousins (Buddy's kids) ; Chris, Wanda, Max Kevin, Heidi, and Danny
Barb & Gary Destromp
January 19, 2006
Our hearts are going out to you.
We want you to know ~ we care.
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