Felix E. Czaja, husband of the late Grace B. Czaja, passed away peacefully and comfortably in his home on Wethersfield, on Saturday, (November 26, 2011). Felix was born May 30, 1916 also at his home in Middletown, he was 95 years old. In addition to Grace, his wife of 60 years, Felix was also predeceased by his oldest son, Douglas; two infant twin children, Stephen and Elizabeth as well as his mother and father, Karoline and Aleksander, and each of his seven brothers and sisters. He leaves behind a larger and loving family of three sons, twelve grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, four daughters-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews whom he truly loved as his own, as well as a loving neighborhood of many whose great generosity was matched in spirit until his last day. Felix's immediate family includes his second son; Michael Czaja of Manchester, whose family includes daughter Heather, her husband Aaron and their daughters Emma and Riley; and a daughter Meghan and her husband, Jason; his third son James Czaja and his wife Janet of Goshen and his fourth son, David Czaja and his wife Elayne of New Hartford, their children Jason, Benjamin and his wife Kristen, and children Alyssa, Ben and Daniel; Faridha, her husband Cedar and daughter Rosa, Rabbiya, Adam and Kate; and daughter-in-law Dori, granddaughters Dawn, Shanti and her husband Alex; his daughter-in-law Mary, granddaughter Carly and grandson Elliot. Felix was very known and affectionately remembered in the national ski industry through his career of over 35 years with the G. Fox and Company of Hartford, Alpine Haus of Glastonbury and Wethersfield, and SportHouse of Canton. Felix's working career began upon his graduation from Wilson High School in Middletown, in 1934 and attendance of the Northeastern College until 1936. His first jobs were with a brewery and as a caddy at Edgewood Country Club. While adept in team sports during his youth, his lifelong passion was known by all to be the game of golf. Felix kept a membership at the Wethersfield Country Club for many years, and played a par 72 at the age of 72. Throughout his retirement years Felix and Grace created wonderful memories traveling the world together. Felix served his country for over three years during the Second World War as a Combat Photographer in the 15th Army Air Corps. He served in the North African and Italian Campaigns while flying twenty-two combat missions, and he survived being shot down on two occasions. Felix was among the very first squadron of American planes to land in Russia after a long distance mission over Eastern Europe. He later covered resistance activities of Partisans behind enemy lines in the Baltics, the end of Fascism in Italy, and the invasion of Southern France. Felix spoke openly of his World War II experiences and like many others, decided should he return home to his family and beloved Grace, he would live his life in peace. His numerous stories included a night of prayer floating in the Adriatic Seas until rescued, and of helping scores of common people throughout foreign lands.
The funeral is Thursday at 9:15 a.m. from the D'Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd. Wethersfield, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Corpus Christi Church, 601 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Middletown with full military honors. The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. at the D'Esopo Funeral Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute Attn: Contribution Services, Brookline, MA 02445-722, or the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka KS 66675-8517. For on-line expressions of sympathy, please visit www.desopo.com.
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