Online Obituaries

Henry J. Cierpial, 98, died on 28 August 2018 at the Baystate West Medical Center in Springfield. His wife Wanda J. Cierpial (nee Chmura) preceded him in death on 14 August 2016. She was 93. Henry spent the majority of his career as a lead draftsman at Pratt and Whitney Aircraft in Connecticut. His distinguished life also includes service during World War II in the Pacific with the US Navy during the 1940s, as well as spending a number of years in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) throughout the US during the 1930s. Wanda also contributed to the war effort through her work as a seamstress. She retired in the 1960s. Henry was born on 4 July 1920 and grew up in Chicopee, but after marriage to Wanda (born 21 July 1923), he moved to her hometown of Wilbraham where they spent their lives. Henry was the son of the late John and Caroline (Wozniak) Cierpial. Wanda was the daughter of the late Joseph and Aniela (Chlon) Chmura. They were long-time communicants of the Immaculate Conception Church. Henry was an active member of the Wilbraham Polish-American Veterans’ Club and the Polish-American Citizens’ Club. Wanda was an active member of the Polonia Club. Henry is predeceased by three brothers, Alexander, Joseph and Edwin and two sisters, Jane Filar and Evelyn Jazab. Wanda is predeceased by two brothers, Mitchell and Edwin and a sister, Irene Ziemba. They are survived by their daughter, Dianne Godek and her companion Robert Romans; their granddaughters Lisa and Gwenn Godek, from New York and California, respectively; their great-granddaughter Chloe Fargo; Lisa’s companion and Chloe’s father Matthew Fardy; nephew James Ziemba, grand-niece Deborah Ziemba, and their children Alexis, Zachary, and Joseph. The family would like to thank Gladys Hiersche and Robert Romans for their compassionate care of Henry and Wanda during their later years. Friends and family may pay their respects to Henry and Wanda between the hour of 9:00 and 10:00 am at the Immaculate Conception Church, 25 Parker Street, Indian Orchard on Saturday, 15 September 2018. Joint funeral services for Henry and Wanda will be held at 10:00am at the church followed by a burial at Saint Aloysius Cemetery at 1273 Berkshire Ave, Indian Orchard.