Obituary of Joseph Szamotula

Joseph Frank Szamotula, age 95, of the Black Rock section of Bridgeport, husband of the late Lucille Spaczenski Szamotula, passed away on Monday, February 17, 2020. Born and raised in Elizabeth, PA, he was the son of the late Walter and Bernice Maxsimik Szamotula. When his family returned to Poland, Joseph assisted the Allies in fighting Germany in WWII. He was injured in combat, receiving the Purple Heart, and later was sent to Normandy where he served as an interpreter because he spoke Polish, Russian and German. Returning to the United States after the war, Joe worked at the Remington Arms factory in ammunition production and 3030 Park Avenue as security until his retirement. A Black Rock resident for over 65 year and longtime parishioner of St. Ann Church, Joe was an active volunteer for many church needs including weekly Bingo. He was an avid and passionate gardener, animal and nature lover and was a daily visitor to St. Mary's by the Sea, where he walked down to every day for over 50 years. Joe was on the Fairfield Bocce league along with his daughter and did some part time painting and carpentry with his brother, Walter. He will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Karen Bernadette Szamotula Cheney and her husband Michael, of Monroe; grandchildren Ryan Casey, of Monroe, Kyle Casey, of Bridgeport and Brenda Casey, of Los Angeles, CA; nieces and nephews, Joanne and John Steinbeck, Helen Rogers, Richard Szamotula, Edward Szamotula and his wife Mariam, Joseph Grebla and his wife Tracy, Pam Midlick and her husband Steve, Diane Medoff and her husband Ken, Christine Blomberg and her husband Donald; numerous great nieces and great nephews. In addition to his wife, Lucille, her was predeceased by his daughters, Laureen Vasas and Sandra Walsh; his siblings, Walter, Stanley and Edward Szamotula, Sabina Grebla and Anna Stella Billas. Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 3-7 PM in the Lesko & Polke funeral home, 1209 Post Road, in Fairfield Center. Funeral services will be held on Monday at 10 am directly in St. Ann Church, 481 Brewster Street, Bridgeport. His burial in Mountain Grove Cemetery will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bridgeport Animal Shelter, 236 Evergreen Street, Bridgeport, CT 06606. To order flowers online, for travel directions, or to sign his guest register, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com