Edward J. Wilczek

1946 - 2022

Edward J. Wilczek, 76, of Newington, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2022 with his family by his side. He was the beloved husband of Diane (Perretta) Wilczek for 54 years. Ed was born in Hartford on March 19, 1946, son of the late Edward M. and Lucy (Wasyl) Wilczek. After graduating high school, Ed enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged after four years of faithful service during the Vietnam War, serving on the USS Enterprise. He was a member of American Legion Post 117 in Newington. Ed went on to have a successful career as a truck driver for Tilcon and was a member of the Teamsters for over 40 years. He was a devout catholic and member of Church of the Holy Spirit in Newington. After retiring, Ed and Diane spent their winters in Singer Island, Florida, where they made countless friends, spending time on the beach and at the penny arcade. They also loved being on the Cape during the summer as well as trips to the casino. Before his first heart attack at the age of 41, Ed was an avid hunter and fisherman and spent a lot of time on the Farmington and Salmon rivers fishing with his son. He had a strong passion for gardening and maintained two huge gardens in his daughter's backyard every year until he was seriously ill. He looked forward to his 3pm glass of red wine every day. Along with his wife Diane, Ed is survived by his son Edward A. Wilczek; daughter Lisa Sargent and her husband Paul "Mikey"; and grandsons Alex and Austin Sargent, who he held a special bond with and would move the ends of the Earth for. He is also survived by his sister Patricia Branchini; nieces Jennifer Branchini and Tristan Wandzy and her family; several cousins; best friend Thomas Fleury; and his gardening buddy Suzanne Massa. He was predeceased by his brother Gary Wilczek. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Ed's family on Friday, November 4th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Duksa Family Funeral Homes at Newington Memorial, 20 Bonair Ave., Newington. His funeral service will begin on Saturday, November 5th at 9:00 a.m. from the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m at Church of the Holy Spirit, Newington. Burial with military honors will take place on Monday, November 7th at 1:00 p.m. in the CT State Veterans Cemetery, Middletown. Memorial donations in Ed's name may be made to www.woundedwarriorproject.com. To share a condolence with Ed's family, please visit www.duksa.net.