Henry W. Pietras

Henry was born on April 16, 1953, in Bytom, Poland to Peter and Genevieve and was their only child. There, he grew up on a farm while living under communist rule and would often remark that he remembered the day their village got electricity for the first time. He and his parents immigrated to Danbury, Connecticut in 1965 where he learned English. He worked at Technology Systems in Bethel, in addition to Berol, General Foods, Philip Morris, and Altria before he retired in 2005.

Henry was intellectually curious his entire life and believed that the true test of education was knowing what to do when you don’t know- how to think critically, ask questions, and pursue answers. If he came across something he didn’t know how to fix, he would research, learn, and teach himself. He loved to explore new ideas and experiences and found joy in thoughtful conversation. His passions were many- computers, science and technology, airplanes, travelling, playing tennis, tending his garden, reading both biographies and science fiction, and music, especially Tuba Skinny.

He devoted himself to making the world a better place, championing his personal mission: “caring for the planet and all life on it,” and inspiring others through both his vision and his persistence. He participated in numerous groups that fueled his interests and advocacy; he was the Chair of the Energy Advisory Board of Brookfield, as well as a proud participant of Therapy for Political People (TPP), the Meeting of the Mindless- a name he particularly cherished- and his Sunday morning tennis group. Henry accomplished many things, but he made it abundantly clear that his greatest pride was his daughters.

Henry lived a wonderful life; just one day prior to his untimely passing, he and his wife celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary. And still, he had so many plans ahead of him. His passion for life never waned, and he continued to advocate for the common good- curious, hopeful, and engaged- until his very last breath.

Henry is survived by his wife, Deborah; his two daughters, Stephanie and Genifer; and several cousins across Poland, Germany, France, and Canada.

The family would like to thank the staff at Danbury Hospital for their outstanding care of Henry.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 12 Cottage St., Danbury, CT.

Following the service, burial will take place at St. Peter Cemetery, 71 Lake Ave. Ext., Section 23, Danbury, CT.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Henry’s memory to the Sierra Club, PBS / NPR, EAA Aviation Foundation, Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 12 Cottage St., Danbury CT 06810, or a charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements have been made by Green Funeral Home, Danbury, CT.