Obituary: Joseph "Hawk" Warzecha, Sr., 85, of Middletown

Joseph M. Warzecha, Sr., 85, dearly loved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle passed away peacefully with his wife of 64 years, Marion Hickey Warzecha, by his side, Saturday, March 19, after a long illness.

He was born in Middletown, CT, the son of Joseph and Alexandria Warzecha, and was known to friends and family as “Hawk.” He proudly served his country rising to Staff Sgt. in the US Army during the Korean War conflict, receiving his induction papers on his wedding day in February 1952. He was recently presented his long-overdue military medals at a home ceremony in January by Sen. Chris Murphy.

Hawk was a life-long parishioner and devoted communicant of St. Mary of Czestochowa Church and when health permitted, was a very active member and attended daily mass. He was a member of the Polish National Home and the Polish Falcons where he served as vice president. In his younger years, he played semi-pro football with the Hillside and Blue Jackets football teams. Before retiring from the State of CT, he previously worked for many years at Dumeer’s Auto Body.

His greatest joy was his family. He was loved deeply and was the patriarch of his extended family. He leaves his children Joe, Matt and Sally Warzecha, Beth Moncata, Alice and Michael Scholar, and former son-in-law, Lou Moncata. He was predeceased by his beloved son, Bill. He also leaves his grandchildren Lisa, Ashlee, Tiffany, Alysia, and Tessa Warzecha, LJ and Marissa Moncata, Kali and Abagail Dickinson and three great grandchildren. He also leaves his sister, Jeannette Bailey, and brother, Everett Warzecha, sisters-in-law Deeny Marshall and Bette Warzecha and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings, Eddie, Teddy, Charlie, Andy, Louie, George and Teresa.

He had a great sense of humor, loved a great story, was a devoted family man, worked hard to provide for his family and was a kind, generous and deeply religious man who will be missed beyond measure.

The family would like to extend heartfelt appreciation to the kind and caring people of the hospice team at Middlesex Hospital and to Tasia and Carol for all their kindnesses during our Dad’s illness.

The Funeral Liturgy will be held Wednesday (Mar. 30th) at 11 a.m. at St. Mary of Czestochowa Church, Middletown. Burial with military honors will be in the State Veterans’ Cemetery, Middletown. Friends may call at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St., Middletown on Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. Donations in his memory may be made to Middlesex Hospice and Palliative Care, 28 Crescent Street, Middletown, CT 06457.