Roman J. Czyz of Bethel, Connecticut passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, January 22, at Hancock Hall in Danbury, Connecticut. He was 94 years old and just one day shy of his 95th birthday. He was born in Poland and immigrated to the United States after being liberated from a Nazi work camp where he was sent as a young boy. In April of 1946, his new life began aboard the SS Ernie Pyle as he sailed toward freedom. A devout Catholic, he befriended a Polish Priest on the ship and he assisted him in serving daily mass.
He lived in Greenpoint, Brooklyn with his aunt for several years while he established his new life here in the United States. Roman was a veteran of the Korean War where he served in the United States Army as a translator — he could speak five languages. He received an honorable discharge in 1952 and later met and married his wife, Joan.
They moved to Bethel and spent their lives together surrounded by their children and grandchildren. Roman was a machinist at Barden Corporation in Danbury for over 40 years, serving as night shift set-up operator. He was highly regarded within the company, so much so that after his retirement he was called back into service with the company to assist them with many complex projects. Additionally, he was a proud member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Danbury. He was a man of great service and took pride in his work, he painted the interior and exterior of the church and served as an Usher over the past 50 years. He was also a member of The Knights of Columbus.
Roman was pre-deceased by his wife Joan and is survived by his three daughters, Ellen, Christine Czyz Lawlor, and Lori, his son-in-law Deacon Richard Lawlor, his two grandchildren, Michaela Lawlor and Ricky Lawlor, his sister-in-law, Helen, and Lori’s partner Matthew.
A private mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Danbury for the immediate family. He will be interred at Connecticut State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations in Roman’s memory can be made to:
Hancock Hall Recreation Fund
31 Staples Street
Danbury, CT 06810
Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter
200 Executive Blvd., Suite 4B
Southington, CT 06489
Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish
12 Cottage Street
Danbury, CT 06810
Regional Hospice
30 Milestone Road
Danbury, CT 06810
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the nurses and staff of Hancock Hall for their love and dedication in caring for Roman.
