My oldest brother always took good care of my car. Being a mechanic,  not only did he find my first car, but he also maintained it for me without me asking him.  He was a good brother.  See you in Glory,   Barbara

Photo taken in our first home in Glen Cove. I  love the bowties on my two youngest brothers. As I  write they have all passed away, except Wally. Love and God Bless,  Barbara 

My brother was a very handsome man. He could have been a movie star.
Love and God Bless, 
Your sister, Barbara 😘

Photo taken in Germany, Richie,  my youngest brother wasn't born yet.

I remember after Dorothy passed away  I would call my brother often,  just to talk to him and to recall our growing up together in Glen Cove,  in the house we grew up in.  He remembered many details about our brothers that I didn't know or have forgotten.   It was a special time between us, and these conversations I  will remember for a long time. 
He had a very quiet gentle spirit that is very rare to find in many people.   I will always remember him as one of the nicest people that I ever known.  I am glad to know he is in a perfect place with Jesus and all the people who he loves and love him. Till we see each other again, your sister, Barbara 💜

Dzydzyie was always a positive influence in my life, and in the lives of all those around him.  I will always remember and appreciate him as the hard working, loving family man, who always had the best interests of his loved ones in mind.  Thank you Dyzdyzie, for always being there for us growing up and into adulthood, and for sharing your knowledge, wisdom, and positive vibes.  I know you are in heaven with Grandma smiling down on us. You will be missed and remembered always.  

I have always been aware of how fortunate I was to have such wonderful, loving grandparents and extended family. In a day and age when families are drifting further apart, I cherished every Sunday lunch, family trip to Disney, or sunrise on the beach. My grandparents provided me with love, support,  and a sense of culture and belonging. Dzydzyie has been not only a staple in my life as a figure of strength, but he has been a fundamental role model to me growing up. I spent my youth seeing how hard he worked for the sake of his family.

I always remember Dzydzyie's energy and motivation, whether he was single handedly remodeling his condo or fixing up a piece of furniture he had salvaged. I can't help but laugh a bit when I remember the difficulty of turning down whatever item he was trying to give us - whether it was 7 loaves of frozen bread he'd found on sale at the Sav A Lot or a TV he'd found near the dumpster and fixed up good as new. Although I may not have always wanted the thing he was giving me, I always wanted the love that was behind it. He was a man who loved to serve others in love and give them whatever he could to show he cared, and that will always be remembered and appreciated. 

Because I lived almost 800 miles away, I only got to be with him a half-dozen times, but every time I came to town, he welcomed me with open arms, always ready with a tale or two of his time growing up in Poland. I remained impressed with his devout love for God, and his eagerness to attend every Mass, and to bring us along with him.

He always smiled, he always laughed, and he always talked, even with strangers. I suspect the workers at Aldi's are missing him. (Don't tell me he didn't know them by name, because I'm sure he stopped to talk to every one them, every time he visited there.)

We're going through some pain right now, because we miss him, and will continue to, but let's remember that right now, he's where he's always wanted to be: With Dorothy.

I know that ever since Mom died, Dad was missing her, and looking forward to being with her again,  in Heaven.   It might sound selfish, but I'm glad he didn't get that opportunity until two years later.  First of all, because it would have been too traumatic to lose two parents in such a short time, but moreso, because during those last two years, I think all of us got to know our Dad/Dzydzyie better than we ever did before.  At least I know I did.  

When Mom was alive, when I would call, Dad would say "Hello, hello....here's Mom," and hand the phone to her.  I rarely got a chance to talk to him!  When I would go to visit, Mom and I would sit and chat, and Dad would be there, in the background, just listening.  He wasn't an "in your face" sort of person.  But after Mom was gone, there was no one for him to hand the phone to, no one to sit and listen to...and so he talked.

To my way of thinking, it was such a blessing that he lived two years (and one day) past Mom.  During those last two years, I got to know Dad better than I ever did in the nearly sixty years previous.  Phoning him twice a week, I heard so many stories from his past, and learned so much about him---like, for instance, that we shared a great love of music.  Who knew?  When I came to visit, we watched movies and TV shows together (Allo! Allo!) and did puzzles.  Went to Mass a few times.  And went shopping.  Always searching for deals.

Dad was a hard-working man.  But he also had a softer side, and I'm glad I got to know him better in these last two years and find that out.  Now I miss him.  I think I will always miss him...until we meet again in Heaven.   There we will all be our best selves, and there will be no sickness, no hardship, only laughter and music and joy.  

Chrissy

Dziadzi/Dad,

You were always an inspiration for me to fix things rather than just throw them away.  Thank you for your many years of caring and just being there. Your smiling face was always reason to be happy. I cherish every moment the bubs were around you from birth until just recently.  It was so hard seeing you full of life one week and then the next week on your last breathe ---but I know you lived a full life and ready to meet our Savior.  May you rest in peace and you will always have a place in my heart. 


Love, Karin


Dzjadzi, 
You will be so missed.   You were filled with such wonderful advice, wisdom, and stories of the past.  You always emphasized the importance of education and self reliance to me, and  helped me to become the woman I am today.  Thank you and I love you.
Samantha

Dzadji,   you were the kind of person that would do anything for your family.  You are the only grandfather I ever knew, and i am so lucky it was you.  I loved that I got to draw pictures for you and spend time with you teaching me polish.  I love you always.

Gabriela

Dazadji, you were a great grandfather and even a better man. I miss you dearly but know you are in a great place in heaven, speaking polish with Grandma and your family.   I love you.

John-John

I have many wonderful memories since I became Hodyl.  We lived in Floral Park, the street next to his and did not meet until I started to date his younger brother and from the start I became part of his family.  Thank you Janek and the family for this.  He would stop over at our house in Locust Valley to give advice and help us build a garage, find a car for us when I had an accident, always the best cars.  I remember Christening of Monica, Dorothy was her godmother, Birthday celebrations, picnics in the garage in Floral Park.  He build an addition to his house when they expected  James.  How he knew so many things, where he learned I never knew, but most of all, that we all could depend on him.  After he and his family moved to Florida my husband was lost without his brother.  Now all in Heaven, looking down on us until we'll meet again, rest in peace Janek.
Bozena

I will always remember what a good older brother he was.  He always took such good care of my car.  He would ask if I needed the car on a certain day and I always knew why he was asking.  He would take my car and change the oil, rotate the tires and everything else that needed to be done.  I will always  remember his kindness and his gentle spirit. 
I am sure he is dancing with Dorothy in heaven and we are truly blessed for his life as it left such sweet memories.
Till we meet again.
Your sister, 
Barbara ❤️

Dad,  I've learned so much from you... more than you probably ever knew.   Yes, you taught me how to change the oil, lay tile, hang drywall and paint a house....   but all the while you also taught me how to be a man - a husband - a father.... and some day a Dzadji.  

Rest in peace - your work here on earth is done - and it was done very well.   

I love you Dad,
John 

I will miss you in more ways than you can ever imagine. Our weekly trips to Addis ( your favorite store ) , shopping at the dollar store and church every Saturday night.  You depended on me for so much in your daily living but I am the one who has reaped all the rewards of  your love and friendship. I will remember you dearly.  “Thank you my sweetheart “.  

OBITUARY

Jan Hodyl

May 28, 1932 – January 4, 2019

Kraeer Funeral Home and Cremation Center

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