Believing a more comfortable living could be made back in his homeland, Bronislaw moved his wife and children to the family farm in Baba, Poland in 1921. They returned to the U.S. on May 15, 1934 aboard the S.S. Kosciuszko.
On November 21, 1942, Tony enlisted in the Army Air Force. After his discharge, he went to work for the Fafnir Bearing Company. He married Pauline A. Olszowy on February 23, 1946. Tony and Pauline eventually built a home in Wethersfield, CT and were married for over 35 years when she died in 1981. On February 14, 1983 he remarried to Mrs. Virginia "Irene" Gawek [pictured above with Tony and his sister, Joan].
Uncle Tony lost his battle with Alzheimer's on May 25, 2010. He enjoyed the outdoors, dancing and children. Though he never had children of his own, his nieces and nephews were blessed with one of the greatest uncles any child could ever have. All of us "kids" who grew up with him have fond memories.
Without a doubt, Uncle Tony spent his "Dash" well. We are sure he was greeted in Heaven by the family he so loved and envy all the Angels who are standing in line to polka with him!
Without a doubt, Uncle Tony spent his "Dash" well. We are sure he was greeted in Heaven by the family he so loved and envy all the Angels who are standing in line to polka with him!
THE DASH
by Linda Ellis
I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning to the end.
He noted that first came her date of her birth
And spoke the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years.
For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not how much we own;
The cars, the house, the cash.
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.
So think about this long and hard.
Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left,
That can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough,
To consider what’s true and real
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger,
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we’ve never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect,
And more often wear a smile
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.
So, when your eulogy is being read
With your life’s actions to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?
Uncle Tony's photo gallery & guest book will be on
New Britain Memorial's web site until May 25, 2011.
Click HERE to see it or leave a note.
New Britain Memorial's web site until May 25, 2011.
Click HERE to see it or leave a note.
