LIME ROCK — Bronislaw Michael Bibro, 96, of Lime Rock in Salisbury passed away on Feb. 5, 2021, after suffering a stroke.
Bronislaw “Bronik/Broni” Bibro was born on Feb. 8, 1924, in Michałowice, Poland, to Jan and Rosalia Bibro.
A passionate defender of freedom, Bronislaw left home and joined the Polish army at age 16. He fought valiantly with Allied forces, and was wounded during the Battle of Monte Cassino, Italy, one of the most important battles of World War II.
During WWII, dances at local halls were a popular form of entertainment, where people danced to swing bands. After the war ended, he met his future wife, Doreen Booker, at a dance hall in Sheffield, England, where he swept her off her feet.
Bronislaw and Doreen emigrated to the United States, married in Bridgeport, Conn., on Oct. 12, 1957, and were honored to earn their citizenship. They were married for 55 years, raising five children.
Bronislaw was a machinist by trade, working for many years at Bridgeport Machines, Century Brass in New Milford, and Becton Dickinson in North Canaan. Bronislaw and Doreen also owned and operated the Half a Sixpence Luncheonette (and gas station) in Lime Rock. As a semi-retiree, Bronislaw worked at Noble Horizons in Salisbury.
He cherished family gatherings and breaking bread with friends, sharing his grapes and wine, cheese and kielbasa. He loved to dance, had a wonderful voice, and was a long-time parishioner of St. Mary’s Church in Lakeville.
Bronislaw was a hard-working family man, fiercely independent, and quite a character. An avid newspaper reader, who freely engaged in political discussions. He advocated for Polish Solidarity and served as Secretary and Commander, respectively, at the Polish Army Veterans Associations in Bridgeport and Torrington.
Noble became his last residence, where his presence was honored and cherished. He was known for his welcoming, kind smile, and twinkle in his eye. He loved people and making friendships … spreading his positivity … and was always willing to lend a helping hand.
Bronislaw is survived by his daughter Joan Linton and her husband, Bruce, of Walnut Creek, Calif.; his daughter Denise Bibro and her husband, Stuart Elvidge, of Manhattan and Lime Rock; his daughter Karen Stevens and her husband, Lawrence, of West Cornwall; his daughter, Krysia Bibro of Queens and Goshen; his son, Mark Bibro, Esq. of Manhattan; and his daughter-in-law, Karen Bibro, widow of his son Stefan, of Taconic.
His surviving grandchildren are Aryn Earnhardt, Beth Burns, Amanda Rose Stevens, Jason Stevens, Lily Bibro and Alexis Bibro; and his great-grandchildren, Jordan, Kayden and Levi Burns and Cleo Earnhardt.
He was predeceased by his wife, Doreen Booker Bibro, on Sept. 10, 2012; his son, Stefan Bibro, on Aug. 30, 2019; and his siblings, Stacia, Josef and Gustaw of Michałowice, Poland.
A funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 11, at Saint Martin of Tours Church of Saint Mary in Lakeville (formerly, “St. Mary’s”).
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Noble Horizons in Salisbury and/or the volunteer ambulances of Salisbury, Falls Village and Cornwall.
