Edward Nowak

Edward (Ereshena) Nowak, 85, of Mansfield, CT passed away peacefully at St. Francis Hospital, December 22, 2015, after a long illness. He was previously a longtime resident of Windham Center, CT for over 40 years. Ed was born on November 23, 1930 in Mansfield Center, CT birth son of Theodore and Fructa Ereshena. He was adopted at age 5 by Stefan and Anna Nowak of Willimantic, CT and was their only child. Even though Ed was adopted, he had cherished relationships with his birth brothers. After graduating from Windham High School in 1948, Ed enlisted with the U.S. Marine Corps. He proudly served during the Korean War and he received an honorable discharge. He attended American University in Washington, DC majoring in sports journalism. It was in DC that he met and married his beloved wife Grace. He was employed by Safeway Supermarkets as manager of stores in DC and Virginia. It was in VA that Ed and Grace began raising their three children. In 1966 the family moved to CT to be closer to Ed's mother. He worked for J. Derin and Sons in Norwich as a wholesale food representative. He retired at age 58 from Sears in Manchester. Ed was a longtime active member of the First United Methodist Church of Mansfield. His church and faith were very important to him. He was also a member of the Elks and the Polish American Club. He and Grace loved traveling around the US and the world. His favorites were China, Poland, and Hawaii. Ed's passions, besides his love of his family, were food (cooking and eating it), gardening, and especially sports. He enjoyed all sports but he lived to golf. Despite his long illness, he always held on to the hope of a return to the links. It's his family's hope that he's golfing right now in heaven. He loved his UCONN Huskies, the St. Louis Cardinals and the Boston Red Sox. Ed leaves his loving wife Grace Nowak. They were married 63 years and she was his devoted caregiver during the later years. He is also survived by his daughter Carol Ploch and her husband Peter of Cheshire, CT: his daughter Anita Kalenauskas of Waterbury, CT: and his son Steve Nowak and his wife Susanne of Windham, CT. He was so proud of his seven grandchildren and one great granddaughter. They brought him great joy: Amanda (Ploch) Brumfield and her husband Ryan, Eric Ploch, Emily Kalenauskas and her boyfriend Dustin Goodwin, John Kalenauskas, Michael Nowak, Andrew Nowak and his wife Dannielle, Ryan Nowak, and newborn Nathalie Nowak. Ed was predeceased by his birth brothers: John, Michael, Peter, Stanley, Harry, George, Frank, and Walter Ereshena. The family would like to thank the staff of VNA Hartford HealthCare at Home, especially nurse Mary and physical therapist Andy for their dedication and kindness. A special thank you goes to Ed's primary care physician Dr. Victorio Te and his staff for their excellent and loving care over many years. The family is grateful to the staff of St. Francis Hospital's CHF Floor and Hospice Floor who provided such comfort and support at the end. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Mansfield Memorial Fund, 29 Puddin Lane, Mansfield, CT, 06250. The family will receive friends and family Sunday, December 27, 2015 from 3:00-5:00 p.m.at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195) Willimantic, CT. A Funeral Service will be held Monday, December 28, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church of Mansfield, 29 Puddin Ln., Mansfield, CT. To sign the memorial book please visit, www.potterfuneralhome.com