Joseph S. Wardzala, 91, of Derby, entered into eternal rest on November 1, 2014, in the comfort of his home. He was the beloved husband of 58 years to Dorothy Gutrick Wardzala.
Mr. Wardzala was born in Smigno, Poland on Oct. 11, 1923, the youngest of five boys. Joseph was a resident of Derby since 1951. During his career, he was a Polish school teacher, a Scout Master and teacher at Polish Eagle Scouts and was employed at W.E. Bassett Co. for over 33 years. He became a Eucharist minister at St. Michael’s Church where he was a dedicated member since 1956. He was an interpreter for the Polish community, Justice of the Peace, organizer of the Kosciuszko Room in David Humphrey’s Museum in Ansonia and a volunteer at Griffin Hospital. In 1956, he became a U.S. citizen. Joseph was a Holocaust survivor and a member of the Polish Falcon Nest 208, Derby Historical Society, Knights of Columbus Council 28 and Boy Scout Troop 3 in Derby. Joseph received many awards including the Award of Order of Merit Krzyz Kawalerski (Chivalry Cross) from President of Poland Lech Walesa in 1994.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons Joseph T. Wardzala and John S. Wardzala (Mariam) and 3 grandchildren, Joseph, John and William.
Visiting hours will be held on Monday November 3, 2014, from 4 – 7 pm in the chapel of the SPINELLI-RICCIUTI/BEDNAR-OSIECKI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver St. in Ansonia. On Tuesday, his funeral will be held at 9:15 am from the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am at St. Michael’s Church in Derby. Interment will take place in St. Michael’s Cemetery in Derby.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Boy Scouts Troop 3 in Derby or St. Michael’s Church through the funeral home.
To send an act of sympathy, please visit www.spinelliricciutifh.com.
