Richard James Gwiazdowski, Sr.

Richard J Gwiazdowski, Sr., 81, of Brooklyn, CT, passed away on December 29, 2023, peacefully at home. 

Richard was born in Norwich, CT on March 11, 1942. He was the youngest of Leon and Mary Gwiazdowski’s four children. 

Richard attended St. Mary’s School in Jewett City, CT, and graduated from Griswold High School in 1960. Richard attained a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Eastern Connecticut State University and went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Special Education from UCONN. He retired from the Norwich Public School system after teaching for 35 years as a Special Education Teacher.

After a 6 year courtship, he married Sally (Smykal) Gwiazdowski on August 8, 1964. They had three children, Richard Jr, John, and Melissa. They would have been married for 60 years this August.

Richard is predeceased by his parents, brothers, Ronald and William, and grandson Adam. He is survived by his wife, Sallyann, his sister, Dorothy Sardo, his three children: Richard Jr and his wife Traci (Ackert), John and his wife Gail (Meskiewicz), and Melissa and his husband Keith Hoyt. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Anyone who knew Rich knew he loved being outdoors. He took great pride in his gardens and landscaping over the years. Some of his favorite pastimes were taking walks with his wife, playing horseshoes, hunting, and reading on his screened-in porch. After retirement, Rich and Sally spent numerous years as snowbirds in Lakeland, FL, where they made numerous friends and lived their best lives. Richard loved being by the pool in the sun working on his tan. He was actively involved in a bowling league and bocce ball, winning numerous awards competing in their community’s senior olympics. 

Calling hours are Tuesday, January 9th, from 5-7 PM at Gagne-Piechowski Funeral Home in Griswold, Connecticut. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Church in Jewett City, Connecticut, on Wednesday, January 10th at 10:00 AM.

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