James Strozeski

NAUGATUCK- Mr. James Strozeski, 69 of Naugatuck, died peacefully Monday evening Aug. 23, 2010 at his home.

He was born in Port Austin, Mich. Sept. 30, 1940, a son of the late Anthony and Agnes (Goretski) Strozeski and was a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, having served over 20 years of active duty, part of which was during the Vietnam conflict.

He began his military career at the US Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May, NJ, followed by assignments on the US Coast Guard Cutter Sebago (WPG-42) out of Mobile, AL; the USCGC Chase (WHEC-718) out of Boston, MA; the US Coast Guard Academy, NL, CT; the USCGC Morgenthau (WHEC-722) out of Governor's Island, NY, and ended his career with his last assignment being where he had started 20 years earlier at the US Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May. Upon retirement from the Coast Guard, he was employed by Uniroyal Inc. World Headquarters in Middlebury, CT and later worked for The Middlebury Partnership and Preston Park 2004 LLC.

Jim was a car enthusiast and owned over 70 cars during his lifetime, ranging from classic cars to hot rods to the latest Chevy models. He was a regular at area car shows and won many trophies over the years. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Crusader Post 1946 and very proud of having served his country. He was also proud of his Polish heritage and was a longtime member of Bristol Polish Club, which he frequented regularly over the years, enjoying many friendships along with fine polka music.

Being one of 10 siblings, family was high priority for Grandpa Jim, as he was affectionately known. He never missed a family member's birthday or other special event without sending a card or picking up the phone to wish them well. He was always interested in what everyone in his extended family was doing and loved to talk and share stories with all. He looked forward to his road trips home to Michigan for family reunions and he always made plans to visit with everyone he knew along the way.

He leaves two sons, James E. Strozeski, Sr. and wife Kathy (Selby) of Griswold, Conn and David C. Strozeski of Groton, Conn; one daughter, Sherry Strozeski Walter and husband Garrett of Waterford, Conn; 6 brothers, Frederick Strozeski of Eastpointe,_Mich., his twin, Joseph Strozeski of Naugatuck, Conn, Eugene Michaels, of_Clinton Township,_Mich, Bernard Stone of Chesterfield, Mich, Edward Strozeski of Washington, Mich., and Charles Strozeski of Sterling Heights, Mich.; 3 sisters, Evelyn Curtis of Macomb, Mich., Lorraine Sexton of Warren, Mich. and Helen Swisher of Chesterfield, Mich.; 5 grandchildren, Gelaine Strozeski, James E. Strozeski Jr., Stefanie Strozeski, Andrew Walter, and Jessica Walter; one great-granddaughter, Skyla Strozeski and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday Aug. 28, 2010 at 10 am at St. Mary's Church, 315 North Main St., Union City. Friends are asked to meet directly at church prior to the time of the mass. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours. The Alderson Funeral Home of Naugatuck, 201 Meadow St. is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to make memorial contributions to VFW Crusader Post 1946 PO Box 85, Naugatuck, CT 06770