Konstanty Brzek

Konstanty Brzek, 91, of Wallington, NJ, was known by his family and friends as Kostek or Connie. He peacefully passed away on March 3rd, 2016, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Kostek was born in McKeesport, PA on March 31st,1924 to Vincenty and Maria (Drewniak) Brzek, both Polish immigrants. In 1924 his family returned to Poland and settled in Blazowa. Kostek returned to the United States in 1946 equipped only with his U.S. citizenship and not a cent to his name. On Oct. 4th, 1952 in Queens, NY, he married the love of his life, Danuta Baginska. They eventually had four daughters. He was employed at Okonite Cable Co. in Passaic, NJ for over 42 years, retiring in 1989. He was a parishioner at Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Wallington, NJ for over 60 years, and also attended St. Mary's Church in Korona, FL,

Kostek was proud of his Polish descent, yet a true American patriot, always appreciative of this "land of opportunity". He never failed to exercise his right to vote. He proudly helped scores of Polish nationals to settle in the U.S., assisting them with homes, jobs, and other essentials. He witnessed for citizenship for so many, immigration officials believed he was being paid for this service. Recognizing that not all would have his luck and ability to pull themselves up by their bootstraps as he had, he quietly donated to numerous organizations, especially Catholic, Polish, and children’s charities.

Kostek loved spending time in his vegetable and flower gardens, always sharing the fruit of his labors. Taking care of his wife and children, and later his grandchildren was, however, his highest priority. Kostek is survived by his devoted wife Danuta, his beloved children Cecilia Torres, Elizabeth Brzek, Helen and husband Ico Cimera; Regina Brzek and husband Jim Brittain; his cherished grandchildren: Alexander Torres and wife Zan; Amy Torres; Milan, Daniel, and Nicholas Cimera; great grandson, Tyson Torres. He is survived by sister Cecylia Szala and predeceased by brothers Joseph and Walter, and sisters Bronislawa and Stefka Sobczyk. Visiting 2-4 and 7-9 Wednesday, March 9th, Warner-Wozniak Funeral Service, 80 Midland Ave, Wallington. Funeral Mass 10 am, Thursday, March 10 at The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 127 Paterson Ave, Wallington, NJ. In lieu of flowers, Kostek requested that contributions be made in his memory to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude's Way, Memphis, TN 38105, or The Foundation for Blind Children www.seeitourway.org