Anthony T. Gadzinski

Anthony T. “Tony” Gadzinski, 92, of Sandy Hook, formerly of Bellerose Terrace, N.Y., died February 5, in Danbury Hospital due to complications following a fall at home. Mr Gadzinski was the husband of 65 years to the late Hattie (Truskolaski) Gadzinski.

Mr Gadzinski was born and educated in Brooklyn, N.Y., and received a Master Gardener’s Certification from Rutgers University. He worked in the family nursery business in Valley Stream, N.Y., before employment with the Parks Department of the City of New York, retiring in 1974 as a general foreman after 40 years of service.

During his life, he was active in the Army National Guard and the American Legion before enlisting in the Navy during World War II. He was co-founder of the NYC Parks Pulaski Association, where he served as vice president for many years.

Upon his retirement, Mr Gadzinski and his wife enjoyed traveling to visit their daughters and grandchildren where his passion for lawns and gardens was reflected. He was an avid crossworder and as a resident of Lockwood Lodge, he was a member of the Garden Club, enjoyed Bingo, and regularly attended the St Rose of Lima Church gatherings offered there.

He was the proud father of three daughters, Patricia G. Ehlers and her husband John of Sandy Hook, Elaine G. Godsoe and her husband Robert of Woodland Park, Colo., and the late Joan G. Murphy and her husband, the late J. Hugh Murphy of Pelham Manor, N.Y. Tony was adored by his six grandchildren, John Ehlers of Sandy Hook, Sharon O’Brien of Inver Grove Heights, Minn., Lauren Valelly of Dallas, Texas, Brian Murphy of Saint Paul, Minn., Jessica Godsoe of Divide, Colo., and Amanda Jeffers of Tuscon, Ariz. He is also survived by seven great-grandchildren.

Friends may call at the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown, on Monday, March 8, from 6 to 8 pm. A prayer service will be offered at 7 pm. Interment will be in Calverton National Cemetery, Calverton, Long Island, N.Y., on Tuesday, March 9, at 1 pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association, 7 Mill Brook Road, Wilton, NH 03086.

The Newtown Bee        March 5, 2004