Zbigniew Majewski

Zbigniew Majewski was born on January 28, 1929 in historic Horodło, one of a small border towns of eastern Poland, to a cobbler family with three siblings: Urszula, Fryderyk, and Danuta. As a teenager, he lived through the horror of WWII, helping the underground as a carrier of forbidden leaflets. After the war and completion of high school, he enrolled in an accelerated program to become a teacher. Since the Polish education system needed to be rebuilt anew, Zbigniew brought his newly found love Stanisława, who also wanted to dedicate her life to teach the young postwar generation of children, to the area close to his home. They decided to settle in the sugar factory village of Strzyżów and remained there for over 40 years. Zbigniew started his teaching career as a grammar school teacher in the local school and soon assumed the role of its principal. One of his significant achievements of that time was allocating funds, securing a building lot, and then designing and overseeing the completion of a 3 story building for a new school, equipped with the running water, indoor restrooms and central heating, gym, art and shop rooms, kitchen and cafeteria space, as well as outdoor playground and sport fields. Meanwhile, he started a family, completed his Master’s Degree in Education and multiple certifications. He supported, organized and participated in activities and programs for youth groups and directed summer camps. In all those years he advocated for and helped many local families in the time of need along with his wife, Stanisława. Zbigniew loved children, all of the children, but especially his own. Maria, Leszek, Andrzej and Artur were always his pride and joy. He wanted the very best for them. Zbigniew was patient, understanding, caring and loving, and always fair. His multiple talents allowed him to teach, practice, reinforce and demand an appropriate response of its outcome in his children and others. Being respectful and being an example to others was always expected. Making toys and gadgets for everyone with his own hands, while they were very scarce in stores, was never a problem. Skis, toy cars, wagons, fishing poles etc., were always being made. He could cut everyone’s hair one day, paint profile portraits the next, fix or adjust outgrown or warn out shoes another day. He was a thinker and a poet. There are volumes of his verses, which addressed any and all topics of his daily musings and feelings, mixed in with Birthday greetings or odes to something that would move him. He chose to retire after 38+ years of being an educator, earning the respect and admiration from all of his community.

There was still another chapter of his life to come, at times more sad and intense. Zbigniew lost his son Andrew, age 36, in horrific circumstances. The loss created grief and a void that would disrupt and dominate every day of his life. That emptiness initiated a choice to come to America and be close to two of his children and their families, who had resided there since the early 1970s. Both Stanisława and Zbigniew arrived in Connecticut in 1996. Being proud individuals not wanting to be a financial burden on anyone, both chose to go to work. They earnestly worked to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits at the local manufacturing firm of Rowley Spring and Stamping Corp. They became members of Polish parish community at Saint Stanislaus Church and attended many local Polish community events. Zbigniew’s sense of pride and responsibility drove him to get a driver license, to study English and work hard to become a citizen of his new homeland and feel accepted by the society. Life didn’t spare him yet, he endured another loss, the sudden death of their youngest son, while adjusting to a battle with Stanisława’s onset of dementia, eventually, succumbing to that dreadful disease himself. The closeness of his family, children, the grandchildren, the great grandchildren kept the sadness away and sense of belonging high. Zbigniew loved everyone and every moment spent together. His silly awkwardness was always bringing a smile on everyone’s face. Now, we will miss this and him immensely. Zbigniew passed peacefully on 9/20/2020, Sunday afternoon, holding tight to his devoted and loving daughter’s Maria’s hand. R.I.P. 🙏 Tatusiu, Dziadziu and Pradziadziu.

He preceded his wife of 70 years, Stanisława Majewska, his youngest Sister, Danuta Puszkarska, daughter Maria Hurczyn and son-in-law Janusz, son Leszek, daughters-in-law Anna Majewska and Barbara Majewska, grandchildren, Michael Hurczyn and Heather, Andrew Hurczyn and Courtney, Sabrina Kelly and Cullin, Jakub Majewski and Katarzyna, Marta Majewska and Leszek Ochałek, Tomasz Majewski and Justyna Kołodziejczyk and Sylwia Majewska, greatgrandchildren: Isabella and John, Addison, Pola, Iga and Tymon and Micalean.

Gdy smutek boli a słowa zbyt małe by rozpacz wypowiedzieć,

zostaje tylko milczenie pełne goracych łez i bliskość osieroconych serc.”

Zbigniew's family extends their sincere thanks and appreciation to the staff of Geriatric & Palliative Medicine, Bristol Health Medical Group directed by Dr. Margarita P. Reyes and Bristol Homecare & Hospice Agency nursing staff for their dedicated care and support.

Family is also sending special thanks to Zbigniew and Stanislawa’s caregivers for their compassionate care during their long illness.

New Britain Memorial Funeral Home

444 Farmington Ave.

New Britain, CT

Is serving the family.

The funeral services will begin at 9:30 am on Thursday, October 8, 2020 in Sacred Heart Church, 158 Broad Street, New Britain, CT 06053. Burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery, 522 Terryville Avenue, Bristol, CT 06010

Many thanks again and again 💞