Chester Joseph Andrejczyk

‘Banana Man’

Ministered  To Homeless

Chester “Chet” Joseph Andrejczyk, 78, of Monroe, died at his home November 23 after a long illness. He was the beloved husband of Evie for 49 years. Mr Andrejczyk was born in Bridgeport on November 12, 1928, son of Stanley and Mary Andrejczyk.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his 13 children, Bob of Newtown, David of Newtown, Ann Hooker and her husband, Scott, of Colchester, Mary of Monroe, Cindy Sandberg and her husband, Scott, of Bethel, Joe and his wife, Cheryl, of New Milford, Ed and his wife, Missy, of Salem, N.H., Beth Cuellar and her husband, Manny, of Stamford, Chris of Southbury, Mark and his wife, Stacy, of Shelton, Lyn Spalding and her husband, Roy, of Monroe, Joshua of Monroe, and Jonathan of Hamden; thirteen grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his brother Raymond Andrejczyk of Shelton; and a sister, Stella Rozbicki of Bridgeport. He was predeceased by his brother, Edward Andrejczyk, and sisters, Julia Szymkuc, Mary Siwiec, and Laura Gniadek.

Mr Andrejczyk attended the University of Bridgeport, served in the Navy during the Korean War, and later settled in Monroe where he resided for the past 47 years.

He owned and operated Cross Roads Store in Newtown for nearly 50 years, where his Polish Kielbasa became famous. He enjoyed fishing and relaxing with his family at their cabin in Massachusetts. His one desire was for everyone to have a personal relationship with Jesus, and he dedicated much of his life to serving others. He earned the nickname “Banana Man” from homeless residents in Bridgeport to whom he ministered the love of God while distributing bananas, food, and clothing. He was an active member of St Jude Church in Monroe where he led the weekly Charismatic prayer group.

Funeral services were held on November 28 from the Spadaccino Community Funeral Home, Monroe followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St Jude Church in Monroe. Interment was in St Rose Cemetery in Newtown.

Memorial donations can be made to St Jude Food Pantry, St Charles Food Pantry, or Bridgeport Rescue Mission, 1088 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport CT 06605.

The Newtown Bee        December 1, 2006