Walter Chaber

Walter Chaber (Władysław Habel), lovingly known as Władziu, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2026, at the age of 97 in Stuart, Florida, surrounded by his family. He had an extremely strong will and fought for life until the very end. He also had a natural sense of humor that helped him connect with others and face the challenges that shaped his life.

He was born on February 5, 1929, in Aubin, France, to Władysław and Maria Habel (Kowal), Polish immigrants who had moved during the Great Depression. When he was two years old, his mother passed away during childbirth, a loss he carried with him throughout his life.

Władziu grew up during very difficult times. After his father remarried, the family returned to Poland, where they faced incredible hardship. When World War II ended, he and his brother joined a Polish Kościuszko-affiliated guard and training unit in Germany under U.S. command in search of a better life. In the years that followed, he made his way to England, where he met his “sweetheart,” Honorata (Nora), also a Polish refugee. They met at a polka, married in 1949, and began their life in Nottingham, where their first daughter, Terri, was born.

In 1958, they immigrated to the United States through Ellis Island and settled in Bridgeport, Connecticut, where they raised their family and welcomed daughters Mary Anne and Barbara. Over the years, they were active in their local Polish community, the White Eagle Club, and shared a love of travel and music. A welder for over 30 years, Władziu was incredibly resourceful and took pride in fixing things and taking care of what he had.

Later in life, Władziu lived in Stuart, Florida, which he often said were some of the best years of his life. He remained active, exercising into his 90s. Soccer was his lifelong passion, and he was a devoted Arsenal fan. During his retirement years in Hendersonville, North Carolina, he enjoyed gardening, tennis, and ping-pong, but always hoped to return to Florida. At 94, he returned, spending his final years in Stuart.

He is survived by his daughters, Terri, Mary Anne, and Barbara (Paul); his grandchildren, Julie (Jon), Sara (Dave), Paul (Sarah), Nick, and Stefcia; and his great-granddaughters, Kaitlyn, Mallory, Annabella, and Tyler. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nora, and his siblings, Lola, Zenon, Stanisław, and Janina.

A private ceremony will be held in Stuart, Florida. A Mass at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Bridgeport, Connecticut, will be announced at a later date.

His family finds comfort in knowing he is now reunited with his beloved “Honorcia,” and that he may finally see the mother he spent his whole life longing to know.