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September 15, 2011
Henry “Hank” F. Wilczewski age 78 of Wayne died peacefully at home on Thursday, September 15, 2011.
An open letter from Hank's son Rich:
July 1, 2011
Dear Dad
I am proud of you. I am proud the way you got up every morning and went to work to earn a living for us. I know that on many of those days you hated to go and would much rather have stayed with us.
I am proud of the way you lead people. I never let on but every time your district beat last years sales or beat out other districts I was immensely proud. I was proud of you at the last Lions’ meeting. I knew my father could do anything. And that belief in you was the foundation for the belief I later came to have in myself. I was your son and I could do anything too.
I apologize for all the grieve I gave you. You did not deserve it. I am sorry for all the names I called you when we fought. I am sorry I fought so hard. You taught me that too. One time I said you were “a bad person.” Although I did not use those exact words. Please forgive me for that. You are a wonderful person.
I am proud of the way you used to make peace in the family. How you would put your self out there when there was a divide. How you would pull both sides together to make the peace.
Speaking of fighting you also taught me how to fight for what I believed in, how to take a stand, and when to take a stand, and when to back down. You also taught me how to back down with honor. You taught me that wining is not always the goal. That personal success should often take a back seat to a higher purpose.
You taught me how to apologize when I was right. And with that you taught the power that apology has to heal broken hearts. Being right is not that important but staying close to one another is.
You taught me what it means to be a man. You taught me that we are bound by our choices. We are more than our mistakes, more than our accomplishments. We are who we are not just what we have done.
You often said “That when all was said and done more is said than done. “ To me that means be a man of your word. Do what you say you will do and remember actions speak louder than words.
And your actions Dad, your actions have defined for me what is means to be a man, what it means to be a fighter, a warrior, a leader, a conqueror of fear, a defender, a protector, a peace keeper, a peace maker, a story teller, a hero, an honest man, a father, and an example for others.
And now it’s time for me to say good bye, because you have gone home.
I love you
You’re Son Rich
EULOGY BY: PAUL WILCZEWSKI
SAID AT MASS FOR HIS FATHER
ON SEPTEMBER 20, 2011
ONE DAY AT TIME...
For those of you that do not know this was my Fathers favorite song. One day at a time was also my Father's favorite phrase. For all of us that knew my Dad he was always there to help. You could always call him for advice or help with anything he would always say "One day at at a time" and "This too shall pass".
It is hard emotionally to say "Good Bye" to my Father and my Best Friend. Through the faith in God I know he has been called to a better place.
Many years ago I made I promise to my Dad that I would call him every day. I did call him but to be honest, I missed a few days of talking to him. I can only hope that he has forgiven me for the undue aggravation I put on him.
I love you Dad, and I am sure you love us also.
Now for your unconditional love that you have given us all.
* For you loving Grandchildren: I know you have asked God to bless them and keep them safe always.
* For your children: I know your wish is that we will be full of Love and Joy. That we will continue your outstanding love and personal friendly character with one another, as well as all others that are in our lives.
* And for you loving Wife (our Mother): It is an amazing Bond of Trust and Love you shared with each other. That must have been blessed by the “Spirit of God”
It is now that I can believe that God has called you for a new and better adventure.
By now I am sure you are socializing and showing a sense of humor with all. This is one of your personal characters that you will be always remembered by.
I am sure that you will be the next “President of the Lions Club” in heaven.
Dad, we love very much.
We all will miss you....
God Bless
Obituary:
Henry “Hank” F. Wilczewski age 78 of Wayne died peacefully at home on Thursday, September 15, 2011.
He was born and raised in Jersey City having graduated from Dickinson High School, Jersey City with the Class of 1951. Hank lived in Belleville, Worcester, MA, and Lester, MA, before moving to Wayne over forty years ago.
Hank went to a picnic in the town of Fairview, NJ where there were many people. As he stood toward the front of a long line to get a drink a young girl tapped him on the shoulder and asked if he would buy her a soft drink. This chance meeting on September 16, 1951, led to a marriage on October 4, 1952 at Saint Valentines RC Church, Bloomfield, a honeymoon at Mount Airy Lodge in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania and a loving and dedicated marriage of fifty-nine years.
Hank’s first job was for the WR Kellog-Flagg Brothers Shoe Store in Jersey City. After a few months and upon learning that Hank was of draft age they let him go. When he left he took a position with the Thom Mcan Shoe Store in Newark. Soon thereafter he was called by his former boss as they realized their sales at the store had dropped dramatically once Hank had left. Hank refused the job offer as he felt if they fired me once they’re bound to do it again. He stayed with Thom Mcan and worked his way to District Sales Manager having worked for them for forty-two years before retiring in 1993.
He was a dedicated parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley RC Church, Wayne where he served as an usher, past president of the Holy Name Society and served with the funeral ministry. Hank was a proud member and a past-president of the Wayne Lions Club, Wayne.
He was the beloved husband of fifty-nine years to Theresa “Terry” (Kohan) Wilczewski; loving father of Rich Wilczewski and his wife Susan of Mt Laurel and Paul Wilczewski of Wayne; cherished Dziadzi of Kathleen, Christopher Brian, and Olivia Wilczewski; loved brother of the late Emily Pacholec, John and Joseph Wilczewski; adored uncle of Barry, Ray, Lenny, Dianne, and Jackie.
Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, September 18, 2011 from 2-6 PM at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne.
Funeral services will be held Monday, September 19, 2011 8:30 AM from the funeral home then to Our Lady of the Valley RC Church, 630 Valley Road, Wayne where at 9:30 AM a Funeral Mass will be offered.
Entombment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Wayne Lions Club, 600 Valley Road, Suite 101, Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.
Here is a eulogy by Jim Sandford of the Wayne Lions Club:
Hank Wilczewski’s Eulogy
From the Wayne Lion’s Club
Written By: Mr. Jim Sandford
As I have thought about hank during the past few months, I asked myself “Why do I like Han so very much?” Therefore, I have written a few remarks that I wish to share with you now.
Hank Wilczewski was a man that was as straight forward as someone could be while not appearing offensive to other people.
I first met Hank sometime in 2004 at a Holy Name Society meeting of Our Lady of the Valley Parish. I remember that meeting well because I liked the directness with which Hank expressed himself. This immediately attracted my attention and from there we became good friends.
As I already was a member of the Wayne Lions Club, I believed that Hank could be a wonderful Lion. But Hank played “hard to get” by resisting my invitation saying that he would not consider it until he knew more about the Lions Club. After attending Lions fund raisers for over one year with me, Hank said he was ready to join the Lions Club. I was overjoyed and Hank became a Lion in 2006. Hank quickly became a favorite with all Lions.
I do think that Hank was predestined to be a leader in the Wayne Lions Club. He was a master in communication skills. Hank was clear in his thoughts, was reasonable, positive, optimistic, energetic, cooperative, flexible, motivated, and persuasive. Most people do not exhibit many of the mentioned characteristics that Hank possessed. Also, Hank had a great sense of humor in which he easily applied to most any situation or conversation. We could easily laugh together about many things, whether trivial or serious.
Hank would always listen to the opinion of others and would incorporate it into his thinking. He believed in “Fairness” and always wanted to be treated fairly. This enabled him to adhere to his convictions when making decisions. One of Hank’s favorite comments, when he was being persuasive, was to say, “You may be wondering where I am going with this conversation and I will tell you in a moment”. Another one of Hank’s favorite comments was, “Maybe I should not say what I’m thinking, but I’m going to say it anyway!”
As our Lions President for two years, Hank demonstrated his leadership abilities and friendships with all Lions and the result was to set high standards for our club to follow. In summation, I leave you with the following;
Hank was an honest friend!
Hank was a trusted friend!
Hank was my friend!
May the Lord rest Hank’s soul!
If you would like to send a private condolence directly to the family use this condolence section.
September 15, 2011
Henry “Hank” F. Wilczewski age 78 of Wayne died peacefully at home on Thursday, September 15, 2011.
An open letter from Hank's son Rich:
July 1, 2011
Dear Dad
I am proud of you. I am proud the way you got up every morning and went to work to earn a living for us. I know that on many of those days you hated to go and would much rather have stayed with us.
I am proud of the way you lead people. I never let on but every time your district beat last years sales or beat out other districts I was immensely proud. I was proud of you at the last Lions’ meeting. I knew my father could do anything. And that belief in you was the foundation for the belief I later came to have in myself. I was your son and I could do anything too.
I apologize for all the grieve I gave you. You did not deserve it. I am sorry for all the names I called you when we fought. I am sorry I fought so hard. You taught me that too. One time I said you were “a bad person.” Although I did not use those exact words. Please forgive me for that. You are a wonderful person.
I am proud of the way you used to make peace in the family. How you would put your self out there when there was a divide. How you would pull both sides together to make the peace.
Speaking of fighting you also taught me how to fight for what I believed in, how to take a stand, and when to take a stand, and when to back down. You also taught me how to back down with honor. You taught me that wining is not always the goal. That personal success should often take a back seat to a higher purpose.
You taught me how to apologize when I was right. And with that you taught the power that apology has to heal broken hearts. Being right is not that important but staying close to one another is.
You taught me what it means to be a man. You taught me that we are bound by our choices. We are more than our mistakes, more than our accomplishments. We are who we are not just what we have done.
You often said “That when all was said and done more is said than done. “ To me that means be a man of your word. Do what you say you will do and remember actions speak louder than words.
And your actions Dad, your actions have defined for me what is means to be a man, what it means to be a fighter, a warrior, a leader, a conqueror of fear, a defender, a protector, a peace keeper, a peace maker, a story teller, a hero, an honest man, a father, and an example for others.
And now it’s time for me to say good bye, because you have gone home.
I love you
You’re Son Rich
EULOGY BY: PAUL WILCZEWSKI
SAID AT MASS FOR HIS FATHER
ON SEPTEMBER 20, 2011
ONE DAY AT TIME...
For those of you that do not know this was my Fathers favorite song. One day at a time was also my Father's favorite phrase. For all of us that knew my Dad he was always there to help. You could always call him for advice or help with anything he would always say "One day at at a time" and "This too shall pass".
It is hard emotionally to say "Good Bye" to my Father and my Best Friend. Through the faith in God I know he has been called to a better place.
Many years ago I made I promise to my Dad that I would call him every day. I did call him but to be honest, I missed a few days of talking to him. I can only hope that he has forgiven me for the undue aggravation I put on him.
I love you Dad, and I am sure you love us also.
Now for your unconditional love that you have given us all.
* For you loving Grandchildren: I know you have asked God to bless them and keep them safe always.
* For your children: I know your wish is that we will be full of Love and Joy. That we will continue your outstanding love and personal friendly character with one another, as well as all others that are in our lives.
* And for you loving Wife (our Mother): It is an amazing Bond of Trust and Love you shared with each other. That must have been blessed by the “Spirit of God”
It is now that I can believe that God has called you for a new and better adventure.
By now I am sure you are socializing and showing a sense of humor with all. This is one of your personal characters that you will be always remembered by.
I am sure that you will be the next “President of the Lions Club” in heaven.
Dad, we love very much.
We all will miss you....
God Bless
Obituary:
Henry “Hank” F. Wilczewski age 78 of Wayne died peacefully at home on Thursday, September 15, 2011.
He was born and raised in Jersey City having graduated from Dickinson High School, Jersey City with the Class of 1951. Hank lived in Belleville, Worcester, MA, and Lester, MA, before moving to Wayne over forty years ago.
Hank went to a picnic in the town of Fairview, NJ where there were many people. As he stood toward the front of a long line to get a drink a young girl tapped him on the shoulder and asked if he would buy her a soft drink. This chance meeting on September 16, 1951, led to a marriage on October 4, 1952 at Saint Valentines RC Church, Bloomfield, a honeymoon at Mount Airy Lodge in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania and a loving and dedicated marriage of fifty-nine years.
Hank’s first job was for the WR Kellog-Flagg Brothers Shoe Store in Jersey City. After a few months and upon learning that Hank was of draft age they let him go. When he left he took a position with the Thom Mcan Shoe Store in Newark. Soon thereafter he was called by his former boss as they realized their sales at the store had dropped dramatically once Hank had left. Hank refused the job offer as he felt if they fired me once they’re bound to do it again. He stayed with Thom Mcan and worked his way to District Sales Manager having worked for them for forty-two years before retiring in 1993.
He was a dedicated parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley RC Church, Wayne where he served as an usher, past president of the Holy Name Society and served with the funeral ministry. Hank was a proud member and a past-president of the Wayne Lions Club, Wayne.
He was the beloved husband of fifty-nine years to Theresa “Terry” (Kohan) Wilczewski; loving father of Rich Wilczewski and his wife Susan of Mt Laurel and Paul Wilczewski of Wayne; cherished Dziadzi of Kathleen, Christopher Brian, and Olivia Wilczewski; loved brother of the late Emily Pacholec, John and Joseph Wilczewski; adored uncle of Barry, Ray, Lenny, Dianne, and Jackie.
Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, September 18, 2011 from 2-6 PM at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne.
Funeral services will be held Monday, September 19, 2011 8:30 AM from the funeral home then to Our Lady of the Valley RC Church, 630 Valley Road, Wayne where at 9:30 AM a Funeral Mass will be offered.
Entombment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Wayne Lions Club, 600 Valley Road, Suite 101, Wayne, NJ 07470 would be appreciated.
Here is a eulogy by Jim Sandford of the Wayne Lions Club:
Hank Wilczewski’s Eulogy
From the Wayne Lion’s Club
Written By: Mr. Jim Sandford
As I have thought about hank during the past few months, I asked myself “Why do I like Han so very much?” Therefore, I have written a few remarks that I wish to share with you now.
Hank Wilczewski was a man that was as straight forward as someone could be while not appearing offensive to other people.
I first met Hank sometime in 2004 at a Holy Name Society meeting of Our Lady of the Valley Parish. I remember that meeting well because I liked the directness with which Hank expressed himself. This immediately attracted my attention and from there we became good friends.
As I already was a member of the Wayne Lions Club, I believed that Hank could be a wonderful Lion. But Hank played “hard to get” by resisting my invitation saying that he would not consider it until he knew more about the Lions Club. After attending Lions fund raisers for over one year with me, Hank said he was ready to join the Lions Club. I was overjoyed and Hank became a Lion in 2006. Hank quickly became a favorite with all Lions.
I do think that Hank was predestined to be a leader in the Wayne Lions Club. He was a master in communication skills. Hank was clear in his thoughts, was reasonable, positive, optimistic, energetic, cooperative, flexible, motivated, and persuasive. Most people do not exhibit many of the mentioned characteristics that Hank possessed. Also, Hank had a great sense of humor in which he easily applied to most any situation or conversation. We could easily laugh together about many things, whether trivial or serious.
Hank would always listen to the opinion of others and would incorporate it into his thinking. He believed in “Fairness” and always wanted to be treated fairly. This enabled him to adhere to his convictions when making decisions. One of Hank’s favorite comments, when he was being persuasive, was to say, “You may be wondering where I am going with this conversation and I will tell you in a moment”. Another one of Hank’s favorite comments was, “Maybe I should not say what I’m thinking, but I’m going to say it anyway!”
As our Lions President for two years, Hank demonstrated his leadership abilities and friendships with all Lions and the result was to set high standards for our club to follow. In summation, I leave you with the following;
Hank was an honest friend!
Hank was a trusted friend!
Hank was my friend!
May the Lord rest Hank’s soul!
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