Francis Fetera

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Francis "Frank" Fetera, 78, of New Britain, Connecticut, on March 6, 2026, at peace and surrounded by his loving family.

Frank was born in Stary Korczyn, Poland, on January 12, 1948, to Frank and Mieczyslawa Fetera (née Ciolek). He emigrated from Poland to the United States with his family at the age of 2. He grew up in New Britain and graduated from New Britain High School in 1966. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Army and served as part of 220th RAC during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Specialist 5.

Following his discharge, Frank worked at Pratt & Whitney as a jet engine mechanic. He later transitioned to industrial engraving, working at Noble and Westbrook. In 1987 he and several partners purchased A.G. Russell Co., Inc., continuing his work as an industrial engraver, which he owned until his passing.

Frank is survived by his wife, Lydia (née Heleta), of 55 years, and their three children, James and his wife, Melissa, of Haddam, Connecticut; Crista, of New Britain, Connecticut; and Thomas and his wife, Kristin, of Farmington, Connecticut. He is also survived by four grandchildren, the loves of his life, Sophie, Zachary, Benjamin, and Nicholas; his sisters Regina Fetera and Christine Choinski and her husband George; his sister-in-law Linda Fetera-Watras, his cousin Robert Fetera and his wife Kim, along with nieces, nephews, and other family here and in Poland. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother Stephen.

Frank loved movies and attended many with his beloved daughter, Crista. Together they also enjoyed attending New Britain baseball games, a pastime Frank had long enjoyed, especially with his children when they were younger. In his later years, Frank, Lydia, and Crista (with other family from time to time) took many trips around the country, enjoying spots up and down the East Coast and as far away as Hawaii. They especially enjoyed visiting beaches along the coast, particularly Cape Cod. His family is forever grateful for the time spent and memories made.

In honor of Frank's memory, the family welcomes donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org).

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday, March 12, 2026 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Duksa Family Funeral Homes at Newington Memorial Funeral Home, 20 Bonair Ave., Newington, CT 06111. His funeral service will begin on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 8:45 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 158 Broad St., New Britain, CT. He will be laid to rest with military honors in Sacred Heart Cemetery. To share a memory, please visit us at www.duksa.net.