Henry Joseph Borkowski

Henry Borkowski, a longtime resident of New Britain, passed away on Friday, December 2, 2022 in Westerly, Rhode Island at the age of 96. He was the beloved husband of the late Florence (Teklinski) Borkowski who passed in 2018. He and his twin sister, Cecelia, were two of the eleven children of John and Teofila (Dzokowski). He was educated at local New Britain schools and was fluent in both English and Polish.

Like many of his generation, Henry was called by his country to service in World War II. He served as U.S. Navy Sonarman H Third Class in the American Theatre, Asiatic Pacific Theatre and the European Theatre from 1943-1946, obtaining the Victory Medal at time of discharge.

Henry met and married Florence Teklinski, his wife of 66 years, in October 1951. This was followed by the birth of son, Stephen and daughter, Catherine. In 1956, they moved to their home on Slater Road in New Britain, which they built together.

Henry was a talented carpenter and, following an apprenticeship, became a Union Carpenter with Local 43 in Hartford. He was involved in the construction of many local sites including the former Holy Cross School in New Britain and The University of Connecticut Dental School in Farmington. Upon his retirement, he continued his work as a “jack of all trades” at Custom Metal Crafters in Newington.

In his free time, he always had a project; he was a talented cabinet maker and furniture builder, and the family continues to enjoy pieces of furniture he built or refinished. He also relished opportunities to be outdoors, and particularly cherished the time he spent on the water fishing. He frequented Twin Lakes and Moosehead Lake, the latter of which helped to christen his L.L. Bean fly rod as the de facto “slump buster” on Northern Maine’s Kennebec and Moose Rivers.

During his retirement years, he was able to devote his energy to his much-loved garden. Henry was an organic gardener before this was in vogue, composting and vermiposting before this became popular. He lovingly maintained his property on Slater Road with beautiful and interesting flower gardens and a tremendous vegetable garden. He took great joy in sharing the fruits of his labor. During the harvest season, you were sure to leave Henry and Florence’s with a basket of vegetables and a jar of canned tomatoes. Henry remained active well into his 90s, continuing to climb ladders and make roof repairs (much to the distress of his family).

Henry and Florence spent many good times on Cape Cod and in Westerly, Rhode Island with their grandchildren. Trips to Alaska and Hawaii were also highlights for them.

In July 2017, Henry and Florence moved to the Elms Retirement Residence in Westerly, Rhode Island, very close to their daughter Catherine and her family.

Henry lived his life with a sense of humor, care, and dogged determination to live the way he wanted. He instilled virtues of patience - he was often heard saying “wait a while” in his Slater Road home - kindness, and hard work to everyone he met, and he left an indelible impact on those close to him. He is survived by his son, Stephen of Provincetown, MA, his daughter Catherine and her husband, Dr. Paul Benoit, and their three children, Alexander of Chapel Hill, NC, Marguerite of Martha’s Vineyard, MA and Abigail of Westerly, RI. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews of the large Borkowski family.

The family wishes to thank the staff of the Royal Westerly Nursing Center for their truly loving care particularly during the difficult months of lockdown during the pandemic.

A service will be held in the Spring, Henry’s favorite time of year. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his memory to St. Edmund’s Retreat, 1 Enders Island, P.O. Box 399, Mystic, CT 06355.

We, his family, do not mourn for Henry but instead have gratitude for his long life and his example of loving Father, Dziadzi and enduring friend.