Obituary: Joseph E. Bielik IV

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Joseph E. Bielik IV

MIDDLEBURY — Joseph E. Bielik, IV, passed away on Thursday, June 22, 2017 at St. Mary’s Hospital VITAS Unit after a long illness.

Joe was born on Jan. 23, 1988 in Waterbury, son of the late Joseph E. Bielik, III and Tracy Ann Jandrok. He grew up in Middlebury and attended Region 15 schools, graduating from Pomperaug High School, class of 2006. He was also a graduate of Franklin Pierce University in
New Hampshire, class of 2010. Joe was a longtime member of Boy Scout Troop 5, and an altar server and communicant of St. John of the Cross Church.

Joe was raised by his grandparents, Mary Ann Bielik of Pompano Beach, Fla. and the late Joseph E. Bielik, Jr. His survivors include his mother, Tracy Ann Jandrok of Woodbury; his brothers, Justin T. Ziegler of Spokane, Wash., Alan-Michael Ziegler of Woodbury; and maternal grandmother, Irene Petruny of Beacon Falls; his uncles, Dennis Marc Bielik and fiancé, Jasmine Scaggs, of Oakland Park, Fla., and Christopher Jandrok of Southbury. He is also survived by his girlfriend, Samantha Foster of Torrington, who lovingly spent 30 days at Joe’s bedside caring for him, reading to him, and talking to him in spite of his condition. Her devotion to him will never be forgotten.

Special thanks also to his longtime friend Michael Pape, who also spent countless hours with Joe at his bedside during Mets games and Monday night wrestling, both which Joe loved, and just talking and joking with him in spite of Joe’s inability to participate. Thank you also to the doctors and staff of the ICU at St. Mary’s for the excellent care he received for 30 days, and also Eileen of the VITAS unit who cared for Joe at the time of his passing.

Joe was a guy who found simple joy in living and was always able to share it with those who really knew him. His smile, happy nature and spirit in spite of many losses and obstacles in his life will sorely be missed. He will never be forgotten by those who really knew and loved him.

A memorial celebration of Joe’s life will be held on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Naugatuck Valley Memorial/Fitzgerald-Zembruski Funeral Home, 240 North Main St., Naugatuck. His cremains will be buried with his father and grandfather at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of contributions, Joe would ask that you find joy in your life and share it with those around you every day and be thankful for that day.

To send an online condolence, visit www.naugatuckvalleymemorial.com.