George L. Kwasniewski, 68, born April 26, 1949 died peacefully surrounded by his family and friend’s love on Oct. 14, 2017 after many years of illness.
A former long-time resident of Naugatuck, Conn. and Clearwater, Fla., he is survived by his daughters, Cara Mandart of Williamsburg, Va. and Lisa Garand of Wallingford, Conn.; and grandsons, Jackson Mandart and Jake Garand. George is preceded in death by his twin brother, Lawrence Kwasniewski; and father, George Kwasniewski, Sr., and is now finally joined in the loving and protective embrace of his young mother, Elizabeth Curtin Kwasniewski, who died at childbirth. The loss of his beloved mother was a driving inspiration for George’s entire life. George Kwasniewski will always be known for his courage, strength and service to others.
A lifelong Roman Catholic, he graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Waterbury, Conn. George earned a Bachelor of Science degree in history from Sacred Heart University. George’s service in the United States Marine Corps earned him the Connecticut Vietnam Veterans Association scholarship allowing him to complete a master’s degree in criminal justice from the University of New Haven. George worked for the Federal Bureau of Prisons as well as the Connecticut Department of Corrections as a behavioral facilitator working to advocate rehabilitated inmates for early release. His public support of the Naugatuck community was both extensive and impactful with such roles as borough Burgess, vice chairman of the Naugatuck Zoning Board, member of the Naugatuck American Legion Post 17, president of the Polish American Club, sentinel of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Polish Falcons member of Nest #65 and Glenmary Appalachian Youth Leader at St Francis CYO.
When George was not serving the community he pursued his two favorite hobbies: boxing and flying. He was a boxing instructor at the legendary Joe Triano’s Golden Gloves program and a judge and participant boxer for USA-ABF Boxing. Joe Triano once said, “George is a man who never quit in the ring or anything else he has done. As we say in boxing, ‘George has a lot of heart.’” George was a licensed single engine pilot who loved taking his daughters, Cara and Lisa for rides in Cessnas on Saturday afternoons. George always ended a letter or phone conversation with those closest to him by saying, “Fly Low.” He was an avid reader of both history and politics and would lend a helping hand to any one down on their luck.
George Kwasniewski was a faithful friend and fiercely loyal to those closest to him. To his very last breath George was a fighter who never gave up and is now at peace.
Fly Low, Dad.
Fly Low, Dziadek.
A private memorial will be held. In lieu of flowers, a donation in his name can be made to the cause that he felt so strongly about, www.ChildHelp.org.
The family would like to acknowledge the countless medical doctors and staff who, over the years, provided quality care. We are forever indebted.
Online tribute and guestbook available at mossfeasterdunedin.com.
