Eugene A. "Gene" Wisniewski

Eugene "Gene" A. Wisniewski, 80, of Chicopee, MA, a polka legend in his time, who formed the Harmony Bells Orchestra, died Thursday, (March 7, 2002) at Mercy Medical Center, Springfield. Gene owned the Melody Shop, music store in Hartford. It was through this store that Gene became acquainted with Walter Dala of Dala Records. He was born in Manchester, on December 4, 1921, lived in Rockville, and for the past four years in Chicopee, MA. Gene was the son of the late Stanley and Helen (Kyrcz) Wisniewski. At the age of 15 with only thee months of instruction on the accordion, Gene played his first jobs at weddings and taverns. His brothers, Chester and Edward accompanied him on the banjo and sax. A nine piece orchestra developed shortly thereafter. He was a member of the Musician's Union Local 400 and the Polish National Home in Hartford and Chicopee Falls. Gene was a B24 pilot in the Army Air Corp. during World War II. He was inducted into the Polka Hall of Fame in 1972 and recorded for Dana Records until 1962 and then his own label Dala Records. Gene's rich, resonant baritone voice, along with his ability to capture Polish Culture and gaiety in this original compositions, had the critics raving. "He's one in a Million... a magnetic voice." Wisniewski's activities in the Polka field have included that of a composer, vocalist arranger, instrumentalist recording artist, orchestra leader, record promoter and successful businessman. He is survived by his beloved brother, Dr. Chester Wisniewski and his wife Lee of West Hartford, a son Thomas of Vernon, and a daughter Jeanann Celli of Staten Island, NY; and a grandson, Camus Celli of Greenwich Village, N.Y. Gene was predeceased by his brother, Edward. For 47 years, he was the life and love of Alda Villiard; her three children, Sandra Bronner, Gary Villiard and Robert Villiard and also her two grandchildren, Brian Bronner and Matthew Villiard, whom he loved dearly. The funeral will be held Tuesday, 9 a.m. from the Cierpial Memorial Funeral Home, 69 East St., Chicopee, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial in the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr, 10 a.m. The burial will be in St. Stanislaus Cemetery. The calling hours are Sunday 4-8 p.m. and Monday 4-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Stanislaus School Endowment Fund, 534 Front St., Chicopee, MA. 01013.