Walter J. Garczynski

Walter J. Garczynski, 82, of Manchester died November 7, 2005 at the Veterans Administration Nursing Home in Manchester after a long illness.

Born in Manchester on September 5, 1923, he was the son of Ludwik and Barbara (Kozien) Garczynski. He was a lifelong resident of Manchester.

He was a 1942 graduate of Central High School.

During World War II he served in the US Army.

Mr. Garczynski worked as a foreman with Fuller Construction Company in Manchester for many years. During that time he was involved in the construction of the VA Hospital, New Hampshire Insurance Building, both in Manchester, Massachusetts General Hospital and the Prudential Center in Boston.

He was a member of the DAV, the VFW, the American Legion, PVA, CWV, and Laborer's International Union of North America, local 668.

The family includes his wife of 55 years, Simone J. (Lemay) Garczynski of Bedford; three sons, Dennis W. Garczynski of Bedford and James S. Garczynski and Michael P. Garczynski both of Goffstown; a daughter, Marlana M. Gagnon and her husband Paul A. Gagnon, of Bedford; a granddaughter, Hannah Gagnon, whom he adored; two brothers, John Garczynski of Merrimack and Stanley Garczynski of Manchester; a sister, Wanda Grecoe of North Andover, MA and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, Stephen and Matthew Garczynski.

His disabling illness forced him to stop working in the late 1960's. He entered the VA Hospital in the early 1970's and stayed in the nursing home for 17 years as a quadriplegic. He was known to roam the halls in his electric wheelchair and keep everyone in line. While at the VA he enjoyed playing bingo and spending time in the lilac garden. He created many of his own paintings, some of which received awards. He also enjoyed painting ceramics and creating leather crafts.

He will be sadly missed by many staff, veterans and volunteers at the VA Medical Center.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Thursday November 10, 2005 in St. Joseph Cathedral, corner of Pine and Lowell streets, Manchester. Burial of cremated remains followed in New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen where a committal service was conducted at noon.

In lieu of flowers Memorial donations may be made to the VA Medical Center, 718 Smyth Rd., Manchester, 03104.