Walter Lucian Banasiewski

SALISBURY — Walter Lucian Banasiewski, 85, beloved and devoted husband of Emily Banasiewski, died peacefully April 22, 2007, at Noble Horizons surrounded by his loving family.

Mr. Banasiewski, affectionately known as Bumpy, was born in New Britain on June 25, 1921, the son of Mary (Monko) and Walter Banasiewski.

He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force the day after World War II was declared and served as a radio gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress. During a combat mission his plane was shot down and he parachuted into the Alps, where he was eventually captured. He survived 13 months in a prisoner of war camp before being liberated. He was awarded the Purple Heart for his service.

After returning from the war, Mr. Banasiewski married Emily Todzia and they made a home and raised their family in New Britain. He was employed by the U.S. Postal Service until his retirement.

Mr. and Mrs. Banasiewski moved to Salisbury in 1985 and were readily embraced by their new community. Mr. Banasiewski’s ready smile and sincere affection for everyone made him an instant fixture in town. He truly treasured every friend and acquaintance and delighted in each handshake and hug.

In addition to his wife of 61 years, he is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law, Patricia and Joseph Deloy of Kensington, Conn., Debra and William Spalding of Salisbury and Ellen and Frank Beecher of Bristol; eight grandchildren, Amy Havel and her husband, Scott, of South Portland, Maine, Douglas Havel and his wife, Kim, of Forestville, Conn., Jonathan Ford and his wife, Amanda, of East Canaan, Daniel, Steven and Jeffery Beecher of Bristol and Emily and Elizabeth Spalding of Salisbury; and three adored great-grandchildren, Ryan and Tyler Havel and Kadie Ford.

Mr. Banasiewski’s family sincerely appreciates the loving care he received both at home from the Salisbury Visiting Nurse Association and for the past five months at Noble Horizons.

Calling hours are on Thursday, April 26 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Newkirk-Palmer Funeral Home in North Canaan. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, April 27, at 11 a.m. at Saint Mary’s Church in Lakeville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to the Salisbury Visiting Nurse Association, Noble Horizons or the Salisbury Volunteer Ambulance Squad.