Rev. George Ziezulewicz Obituary

Killingworth, Conn.— The Rev. George Ziezulewicz, 81, passed away peacefully with his family around him, laughing and sharing memories of our lives together on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016, at Connecticut Hospice in Branford.

Rev. Ziezulewicz was born in New Britain, Conn., on June 17, 1935, a son of the late Walter F. and Jessie (Switajewski) Ziezulewicz. He attended area schools and heeded his call to the priesthood when he entered St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield in 1954. Rev. George continued his seminary studies in philosophy and theology at Christ the King Seminary of St. Bonaventure University and returned to the Archdiocese of Hartford as Prefect at St. Thomas Seminary in 1963.

Ordained a priest on May 7, 1964, by Archbishop J. O’Brien at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, Fr. George held several appointments across the state: Chaplain at St. Lucian Home (1964); assistant at Sacred Heart Parish (1964-1967); temporary assistant pastor at Holy Cross (1973-1977) in New Britain as teacher and administrator, having completed graduate studies in secondary education at Boston College in 1968; at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in New Britain (1968-1972) and Sacred Heart High School in Waterbury (1978); and as a co-pastor at St. Stanislaus in Meriden (1972-1973); assistant pastor at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Waterbury (1978-1980); pastor at St. Stanislaus in Bristol (1980-1987); pastor at St. Augustine in Seymour (1987-1995); pastor at St. Hedwig in Union City and administrator of St. Stanislaus in Waterbury (1995-1999); and pastor at St. Philip in East Windsor (1999-2000). Rev. Ziezulewicz retired in December 2000.

Rev. George was predeceased by his brothers, Walter and Michael Ziezulewicz, and his sister, Maryann Kochol. He is survived by his brother William and his wife, Maureen Ziezulewicz; his brother-in-law, Joseph Kochol; and a large, happy family tree of nieces, nephews and cousins, to whom he quietly demonstrated the love of God through his dedication and devotion as brother, uncle, cousin and priest.

Fr. George was partial at one time to the Yankees, but fell out of love with them, as fans tend to do. He loved to cook, especially the Polish family recipes, and to bake bread that he shared with many friends and family members over the years. A lover of life with a generous spirit, a sense of humor, and quick mind, he will be missed by those who knew and loved him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016, at 11 a.m. at Holy Cross Church at 31 Biruta St. in New Britain by the Most Reverend Leonard P. Blair, Archbishop of Hartford. Those attending are asked to please meet at the church at 10:45 a.m. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery at 662 Burritt St. in New Britain. Calling hours will be Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Burritt Hill Funeral Home at 332 Burritt St. in New Britain.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Food Share (foodshare.org). To send an on-line condolence, please visit www.newingtonmemorial.com or www.naugatuckvalleymemorial.com. The Naugatuck Valley Memorial/Fitzgerald Zembruski Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.