Benjamin S. Bitzkowski

Benjamin S. Bitzkowski (aka Moe, Pete, Benny, Bitzy), 88, formerly of 26 Riverview Road Mansfield, CT, died at Bayview Healthcare in Waterford, CT on January 7, 2010. He was predeceased by his first wife Genevieve (Serwanski) Bitzkowski on January 24, 1977 and his second wife Gertrude (Giard) Bitzkowski on January 7, 2004. He is survived by his children, Elaine Misteretta of East Lyme, CT, Stanley Bitzkowski and his wife Olga of Milford, NH, Beverly Rondeau of New London, CT, Jerry E. Bitzkowski and his partner Edwin Lively of Windsor, CT, and a stepson Russell Giard and his wife Karen of Willimantic, CT. He is also survived by his brother Raymond Bitzkowski of Norwich, CT, his sister Helen Berardo of Westerly, RI, several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was born February 24, 1921 in Norwich, CT. He was a veteran of WWII where he served in the Navy on a submarine as a torpedo man. He later was employed at the Thermos in Norwich, CT, Brand-Rex in Willimantic, and retired from Electric Boat in Groton as a pipefitter/inspector on March 1, 1983. He attended both St. Joseph Church in Willimantic, CT and St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel in Storrs, CT. He was also a member of the Polish Club, VFW, and the CC Camp Association. Special thanks to Doctor Stephen Leach of Willimantic,CT and Doctor John Plankeel of Waterford, CT for years of excellent care. His family will receive relatives and friends at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St., (Rte. 195) Willimantic, CT on Friday January 15, 2010, between 8:30 am - 9:30 am prior to the procession to his 10:00am Funeral Mass at St. Joseph Church, 99 Jackson St., Willimantic, CT. Burial to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, his family suggests memorial donations be made in his honor to VFW Gold Star Post 1724, 1415 Main St. Willimantic, CT 06226 or a charity of your choice. For online memorial guestbook and directions to the funeral home, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com .