Henry F. Boryczki, Sr.

Henry F. Boryczki, Sr. age 79 who resided at The Jefferson House, Newington, CT. for the past five years formerly of New Britain and Berlin, CT. died on Tuesday, February 28, 2006. A man who truly lived his life for his family, his church, Sacred Heart of East Berlin, CT and now on his journey in a new beginning as he enters into eternal life to be with his Lord and Redeemer. He was the proud son of the late John & Sophie Boryczki. As a young man, his dream was to become a musician and play the trumpet. He looked up to such great music legends, Harry James and Glenn Miller. He took lessons from the late James Gozzo who's son Conrad made famous the song, "Trumpeters Prayer". He played in the Drum Corp and competed throughout CT, NY and MA. He loved to entertain people at many dances, outings and New Years Eve parties with his band, The Dana Orchestra. He also played trumpet with his late brother Ted Boryczki's group, Lustig Wilhelm and the Saurkrauts, a German/Bavarian Band who entertained at many Lions Club Octoberfests. While in high school, he was drafted into the U.S Army were he served in Headquarters 1ST Cavalry Division Band. Henry's military occupation was Bandsman Trumpet where he performed in military marching bands while stationed in Tokyo, Japan. He played both trumpet and bass fiddle in the dance band. He was very proud when asked to play for a reception for Gen. Douglas McArthur while visiting on base. Henry attained rank of Technition Fourth Grade and received decorations and citations. He was Honorably Discharged from military service on April 30, 1947. After returning to civilian life, he completed high school and continued his education at State Technical Institute evening school completing Architechtural Drafting and Design. He later began designing houses which were built in New Britain and Kensington, CT. His wife was employed at CL&P for a short time until she developed a major stroke and her husband needed to be the sole provider for his family. It was a tough life for both of them. Henry found a job at The Stanley Works and later moved on to Kaman AirCraft in Bloomfield, CT and served as a draftsman. He later worked for Packard Machine Co. in Meriden, CT in sales and expeditor. His experience moved him to Atlantic Tool Machine in Newington, CT and later McCallum Motor Service in Newington and served as parts associate, sales on the road and finally, assistant store manager. He later retired but continued to work part time for Liberty Industries. Henry met a beautiful gal while playing in the Drum Corp by the name of Maryanne Pelka, daughter of the late Joseph & Eleanor Pelka of New Britain, and later married Maryann in 1950. Their wedding was held at Holy Cross Church in New Britain followed by a reception at the former Hedges Banquet Hall where his band entertained. In 1951, they decided to have a family with the birth of their first son, John Joseph and later in Henry Francis Jr. in 1956. In 1970, they purchased their first new home on Wethersfield Road now Bluebird Lane, Berlin where they resided until 2001 and then moved into the Jefferson House in Newington. Henry was a life time member of The Catholic War Veterans Post #981 of New Britain, CT. He was active in volunteering and entertaining the hospitalized vets at both the V.A Hospital's in Newington, CT and Northampton, MA with bingo and coffee hour. He also help in putting together shows and picnics for the vets and worked with the hospital chaplains. He also belonged to the Berlin Lions Club and served as Secretary and Vice President. Both Henry and his late brother, Ted Boryczki with the help of Entertainment Chairmen, Peter Hansen, were instrumental in hiring for the very first time, 15 time Grammy Award Winner, Jimmy Sturr and his Orchestra at the Berlin Fair. He was a parishioner of Holy Cross Church, New Britain and later in 1970 Sacred Heart Church, East Berlin, CT. There he served as Eucharistic Minister, secretary of the Men's Club and formed the Forever Young Club under the guidance of the late Fr. Thomas Culotta who was a incredible priest, and dear friend to Henry and Maryann. He always took the time to visit them at the Jefferson House. Fr. Culotta will always be remembered for his kindness and compassion and one who loved his parish family. He enjoyed being a family man. He love to vacation and rent a cottage for two weeks in Old Saybrook with his brother Chet and mother, Sophie. He also visited his wife's cousins in Trenton, NJ once a month. He loved to participate in his son's Father & Son basketball games at Holy Cross School. He attended his son's bowling league at Rogers and T-bowl Bowling alleys. Henry is survived by his wife and the love of his life, Maryanne as they celebrated their recent Wedding Anniversary of 56 years in September and Henry's birthday in October. His children, John & daughter-in-law Kathleen Halloran Boryczki of Manchester who took care of all their needs. Hank Jr. and Roxanne Calderella Boryczki of Arizona. Three beautiful grandchildren who will miss their grandpa and cherish all the great memories; Emily Elizabeth, Julianne Jean and Jessica Mary. He was predeceased by two brothers and a sister-in-law; Chester "Chet" Boryczki who volunteered his life for the Theater, Hole in the Wall and the Good Speed Opera House, Theodore "Teddy" Boryczki, and wife Gerri Boryczki and a sister who died at birth. A niece Diane Copa and her husband Andy, a nephew Robert Boryczki and his wife Maryann and their children, Kevin and Jeffery Boryczki. Many relatives and dear friends; Mary Ellen Richards, Katie Scalise, Norman Martinelli, Lucy & Dick Mele, Raymond & Melaine Stupack, Genny Kozera, Parish family of Sacred Heart Church East Berlin, Barbara Mesa, Atty. John Matulis, Cousins, Barbara & Rodney Wakefield, Dobek's, Szcpanik's, Chet Kozlowski, Matt & Evelyn Gut, Likwala's. Funeral services with full military honors will begin at 9:30 AM from the Erickson Hansen Funeral Home, 411 So. Main St., New Britain followed by a mass to celebrate Henry's life at 10:30 AM at Sacred Heart Church, East Berlin, CT. Burial will be held following the mass at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Burritt Street, New Britain, CT. Henry's family will receive clergy, relatives and friends on Friday during visitation hours from 4 to 8 PM at the Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home, 411 So. Main Street, New Britain, Ct. Please bring a picture, or share even a story to share about Henry's life. In lieu of beautiful flower arrangements, Henry asked that you share your gift's by making a monetary contribution in Henry's memory to the following: Sacred Heart Church, 48 Cottage Street, East Berlin, CT 06023 St. Bridget Parochial School, Att. Mrs. Rita Barry-Principal, 74 Main St, Manchester, CT 06040 The Jefferson House, Att. Alan Laites, ADM DIR. One John H Stewart Drive, Newington, CT 06111