Obituary: Bernard John Gombeda, 86, of Stratford

STRATFORD, CT - (From Dennis & D'Arcy Funeral Home) Bernard John Gombeda, age 86 of Stratford passed away Sunday, February 27, 2022 at his home. He was the devoted husband of 50 years to Antoinette Gelormini Gombeda.

Born in Hazelton, PA on May 23, 1935 he was a son of the late Andrew and Helen Kuntz Gombeda.

Bernie served active duty for two years with the US Navy aboard the USS Tabberer and had been a volunteer fireman in Hazelton, PA before moving to Connecticut, where he was a machine operator for Bridgeport Machines for many years before his retirement.

Bernie was an active and avid photographer, especially of the birds in his backyard. He was a lifetime member of the Greater Bridgeport Camera Club, CT Association of Photographers and received a master member award from the NE Camera Club Council for his service and contributions to photography.

He was a deeply religious man, a standing member of St. Mark Roman Catholic Church and held a strong belief in Our Lady of Fatima.

Bernard had a green thumb and enjoyed feeding the birds, but mostly remembered for his handy work, he was commonly known as “Mr. Fix It”, nothing a little duck tape couldn’t fix.

In addition to his loving wife Antoinette he will be deeply missed by his three children; Anne Marie Schreiber of Hoboken, NJ, Joanne Gombeda of Jersey City, NJ and John Gombeda of Stratford, and brother, Andrew Gombeda of Hazelton, PA, and his three grandchildren; Ava, Luke and Creed Schreiber all of NJ and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brother, Edward Gombeda and his sister, Dolores Forke. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, March 3, 2022 at 10:00 AM meeting directly at St. Mark Roman Catholic Church with Father Birendra Soreng officiating.

Interment will follow in St Joseph Polish National Cemetery, Stratford.

Friends may greet the family on Wednesday March 2, 2022 from 2:00 to 6:00 PM at the Dennis & D’Arcy – Abriola & Kelemen Funeral Home, 2611 Main Street Stratford.

For online condolences please visit www.dennisanddarcy.com. Donations in his memory may be made to St. Mark Church, 500 Wigwam Lane, Stratford, CT 06614.