William Stefanowski Obituary

WILLIAM STEFANOWSKI - 95, a life-long resident of Stamford, died on Wednesday, March 29, at St. Camillus Health Center.

He served as an Electrician's Mate in the U.S. Navy until 1931; as a Corporal in the U.S. Army from 1942-1945, serving for nine months with the 658th Field Artillery Battalion in Germany during World War II. Later he was a tool and die maker at Yale and Town and Excelsior Hardware. Mr. Stefanowski was an avid fisherman and loved sharing this sport with his nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife Genevieve Olkoski Stefanowski, two sisters and two brothers. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Stella Olkoski Walkuski, brothers-in-law Joseph Walkuski and Frank Olkoski, and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be from 9-10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 31, at Wojciechowski-Ambassador Funeral Home, 9 Pulaski Street, Stamford. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 am., at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 369 Washington Blvd, Stamford. Interment will follow at St. John's Cemetery, Darien, CT.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Holy Name of Jesus Restoration Fund, c/o Holy Name of Jesus Church, 4 Pulaski Street, Stamford, CT 06902.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Advocate on Mar. 30, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for William Stefanowski

7 Entries

Michelle (Olkoskly) Babbidge~Fairchild

April 9, 2006

My memories of Uncle Bill (and Cioci Gen)...I was about 7 or 8? and off from school for spring vacation. My regular baby-sitter was unavailable and I was lucky enough to get to spend that week with Uncle Bill and Cioci Gen. We did so much in that week that as an adult it seemed to me I had spent the entire summer with them.

I remember playing outside in their yard, working on his boat, going fishing with Uncle Bill and my grandfather (Stephen Olkoskly), and the gardening! Back then, I thought it was so "cool" to be doing all those things that I still talk about it today. Uncle Bill had a great sense of humor and always kept me busy. It's days like today, early spring when I remember those times the most and I will miss him.

Mary Ann Hagan

April 8, 2006

Dear Uncle Bill, This is so difficult to write because we had you for so long and never thought we wouldn't. Those who wrote here before me hit all the nails on the head regarding our childhood and all the wonderful times and memories you and Cioci Gen provided for us. I still try to clam with my feet but the opportunities are rare these days. And the lobsters just don't taste the same. While I remember all the old times, it's the most recent that I hold on to: taking you grocery shopping when you finally decided it was too dangerous for you to drive; cleaning the house; your "flu and allergy shots"; how you never considered yourself to be old; your constant stories, jokes, and great sense of humor; and how you just plain old enjoyed and loved each and every one of us--your whole extended family. I'm so happy that we were all able to visit you on March 9th and to see the wonderful, sweet smile on your face when you awoke, spanned the crowd of 20 at the foot of your bed, and exclaimed, "I must be dreaming!" We all feel so good about this. When I was leaving I wrote you a note that I'd be back in 2 weeks and you looked at me and said, "If you hurry up, it'll only be 1 week!" Well, it ended up being 2 and I'm so happy that I could spend those final hours with you. We will always love and remember you and Cioci Gen. Rest in peace. Love, Mary Ann

Michelle Smith (Bielinski)

April 6, 2006

Well I didn't get the pleasure of seeing Uncle Bill and Cioci Gen a lot but when we were able to see them I enjoyed every minute. With the way that they teased each other to the stories about my mom and her siblings, they could always make me laugh. I always attacked the candy dish that was sitting on your living room end table. So that is why it emptied so fast! Uncle Bill was very good at telling us his war stories. Very interesting facts!!! He always had a way of putting a twist into things to make them more interesting and children oriented for my brother and I. We will miss you both dearly. Please tell everyone in heaven that I say hello, especially my Uncle Scott, and cousin Scott. We will definately think of the both of you often. I love you!!!

Sharlene (Olkosky) Babbidge

April 5, 2006

My most vivid memories of Uncle Bill (and Cioci Gen)........

My first memory was the day they got married. I'm not sure of the year but I was approximately five years old and had one of the common childhood plagues. Cioci Gen (my Godmother) risked the contagion and came to see me in my sick bed because she didn't want me to miss seeing her in her bridal gown. A few years later I went with Uncle Bill and my dad "out in the country" to visit a farm (where he once lived?) and met two of his nieces. At my age then, this was a very exotic trip. Needless to say, there are countless memories of holidays (especially Easter in the later years) and fishing and gardening and Tiki and Tiki and pickled green tomatoes. To me, Uncle Bill was always a true uncle--not just the man who married my aunt!

Connie Bielinski

April 5, 2006

Dearest Uncle Bill and Cioci Gen - I can't thank both of you enough for all the love and wonderful times you showed me. I'll always remember the days of watching the Flintstones on your new color TV and Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color. We were styling then, weren't we! Remember the Beatles when they first appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show? Wow! We couldn't wait to tell our friends the next day at school that we saw the Beatles in color! Cioci Gen, those sirloin and porterhouse steaks were always done just right!

Your really knew how to spoil us! It was also alot of fun going to Rye Beach and spending the evening going on the rides and then out for pizza on the way home. Who could forget all the boat outings to Long Island and swimming off the boat. Clamming and fishing for flat fish are right up there too! I'll never forget the both of you! Rest in Peace! Love Always,

david hagan

April 5, 2006

Uncle bill is a man whose biography i would really like to read. He had great stories and it is hard to imagine i was only around for a third of his life. He had a joy about him that was contagious, and a laugh that could shake the house.He took his later life in stride and with a smile. He had a grace about him that, in retrospect, made it obvious that he got the big picture. His life , it seems, was a mysterious celebration. I would have loved to learn more about his youth.May he rest in peace , as he surely lived in peace.

Joan and Alison Hayes

April 4, 2006

Dearest Uncle Bill,

Only You, Cioc and us know what these mean, so here goes...Pistachio nuts, pennies in the kitchen drawer, Lawrence Welk and Bonanza, Tiki I and Tiki II, Lobsters and clams, Seasick!, and PlayLand !!! You are the Best Godfather ever, thank you. We love you and miss you and all your wonderful stories. You had a sense of humor that we so loved and appreciated and that will see us through the hard times. Enjoy heaven, you deserve it and we'll see you soon! Tell my guys hello! We love you! Joan and Alison

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