Bruno Vincent Plocharczyk

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that Bruno V. Plocharczyk, 85, of Chaplin CT, passed away peacefully on Jan. 2, 2014. Born in Manchester, CT on Feb. 9, 1928 to the late Vicenty Plocharczyk and Katherine Lucas. He was a graduate of Manchester High School (1946), Howell Cheeny Technical school (1947), Ward College of Technology (1957) and was an alumni member of the University of Hartford. He leaves behind his loving wife of 32 years Sandee and children Bruno Jr., his wife Betty and their son Jason Champion; John Plocharczyk; Maryann Rafferty, her husband Tod and their children Krystle, Victoria and Bruce; step children Lisa Ward and her sons Jerimiah and Justin Smith; Eric Ward, his wife Agustina and their children Santino and Nicole; Jeffrey Ward, his wife Yvonne and their children Madelyn and Caleb as well as many nephews and nieces. Together with his wife Sandee, in their retirement, followed their life loves. They developed and ran R Rockinghorse Farm and Yarns with a Twist. Bruno loved everything to do with horses. One of his proudest accomplishments was the appearance of his horse Katie in an ad for the Kentucky Derby. Bruno was an accomplished horseman and lifetime member of Reddington Rock Riding Club and Cross State Trail Riders. Bruno had a brief career as an actor appearing as the driver of a horse drawn wagon in the movie Amistad. Bruno proudly retired, after forty loyal and dedicated years, from Southern New England Telephone Company. He was a member of SNET retiree association and a member of the Telephone Pioneers. He was a 3rd degree, lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus in Enfield and was a member of the Enfield Fire Department early in his career. Bruno was predeceased by brothers Michael and Edward and sisters Jennie Vince, Ida Krus, Sophie Kacinski, Helen Hayes and Stella Forsyth. He loved the Red Sox, UCONN basketball, Celtics, and New England Patriots. Bruno had a warm heart, a ready smile and a helping hand. He made a positive and lasting impact on the people whose lives he touched. A memorial service and celebration of his life and loves will be held on Jan 18th at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 42 North Eagleville Rd., Storrs, CT at 1:00pm. His family invites everyone to attend. In lieu of flowers, his family suggests memorial donations to Covenant Soup Kitchen, 220 Valley St. Willimantic, Ct. 06226. For an online memorial guestbook, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com .