Chester Charles Jedziniak

Chester ?Chet? Charles Jedziniak, 79, of Wethersfield, truly beloved husband of Virginia (Zima) Jedziniak for almost 50 years, passed away on Sunday (June 13, 2010). His courageous spirit and contagious good humor were on full display throughout the long and challenging illness that called him home to his Lord. Chet treasured his family---and they in turn treasured him. He will be deeply missed by his devoted daughter and son-in-law, Sandra Jedziniak and Jeremy Mellitz and their adored twin daughters, Jade and Lily, all of Guilford, as well as his loving son and daughter-in-law, Walter and Renee Jedziniak and their cherished daughters, Carolyn, Marissa and Ava, all of East Hampton. Chet also leaves his dedicated sister, Jane Ricard of Southington, many nieces and nephews and a wealth of extended family members and friends who loved him. Chet will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his dear college buddy and best, lifelong friend Leo. The family expresses their deep appreciation to Chet?s many dedicated, compassionate and skilled caregivers---particularly Rusty and Karol who were with him to the end.

Chet was born on February 19, 1931, son of Bernice (Michalski) and Leon Jedziniak and brother of Edward Jedziniak and Leona (Jedziniak) Ignatowicz, all of whom predeceased him. A lifelong Wethersfield resident, Chet graduated from Wethersfield High School and, consistent with his trailblazing ways, was the first family member to go to college, graduating from what is now the University of Hartford and then earning a master?s degree from Central Connecticut State University. Chet?s love for his country compelled him to enlist in the U.S. Air Force early in the Korean War. He then voluntarily transferred to the Army Infantry ?at the ready? for front line battle. He was a highly decorated war veteran, with a Presidential Unit Citation and United Nations Service Medal among his service awards. For about 10 years, Chet shined as an underwriter for The Hartford and Hartford Steam Boiler Insurance Company. Thereafter, he found his true calling as a talented, legendary and influential grammar school teacher at Orchard Hill School in South Windsor and at Greenfield School and then Emerson Williams in Wethersfield. Over the course of decades, Chet was immensely popular with students because of his acute intelligence, exuberant sense of humor, enormous charm and genuine interest in their welfare. A man of varied interests, Chet enjoyed the 10 years he spent with his son co-hosting UConn?s WHUS Polka Magic Show. He loved sports and delivered the sporting events and news each week on CRIS Radio for the Blind. He was a rabid St. Louis Cardinals fan and to the amazement of certain family members switched his American League allegiance from the Red Sox to the Yankees. Chet?s outreach included being a ?friendly visitor? for Wethersfield Social Services. He was a member of the American Legion Bourne-Keeney Post 23 and a lifetime member of the VFW Post #9945. Chet was a lifelong Catholic and communicant of Sacred Heart Church and was a member of their Men?s Club for several years. In addition, he enjoyed playing cards with his Friday night poker buddies. He claimed to have won far more than he lost, and he probably did.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 56 Hartford Avenue, Wethersfield. Please go directly to the church. Burial with full military honors will follow in Village Cemetery, Wethersfield. Family and friends may call at the D?Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield on Thursday from 3-7 p.m. Due to allergic reactions of family members to fragrances and smells, visitors are strongly encouraged to avoid wearing perfumes, colognes and other fragrance sources. Flower arrangements are welcome. Donations may be made in Chet?s honor to Sacred Heart Church or to The Stroke Center at Hartford Hospital, 80 Seymour Street, P.O. Box 5037, Hartford, CT 06102. For online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.desopo.com.