Obituary: John Edward Szalkowski, 67 of Fairfield

From Galello-Luchansky Funeral Home

John Edward Szalkowski, 67 of Fairfield, was called home on Monday, February 6, 2017, where he was met by his parents, John and Irene, his grandparents, his sister Carole Hercun, and his nephews Nick and Jon.

John is a U.S. Navy veteran who proudly served two tours of duty in Vietnam and is a retired Metro North conductor. John learned landscaping skills working with his grandfather as a child and continued in the practice of arboriculture.

Having a love of meteorology, John loved to forecast the weather especially Nor’easters. So, it is appropriate that he is watching a storm brew as we plan his services. He must be enjoying the view from up there.

Aside from his family, one of John’s greatest loves was rescuing animals. He would rescue cats, dogs, birds or anything found starving, strayed or injured. John was also a football enthusiast, knowing the history, and all statistics in a heartbeat. John was a huge Jets fan and would constantly talk about his favorite memory of watching the Bridgeport Jets practice at Kennedy stadium.

John was also an accomplished dancer, partnering his sisters among many other dancers for over 30 years. John performed with Bridgeport Ballet Company, along with other companies. John loved music and had an extensive music library of over 1,000 albums.

Musicians he admired greatly were Frank Sinatra and The Righteous Brothers. John now you can see if “rock n roll heaven” really does have a hell of a band. Our love forever until we meet again…John is survived by his sisters, Joan Sadowski and Jeanette Murzyn, who held his hand as he left this Earthly realm to join the angels in heaven. He is also survived to rejoice in his memory and mourn the loss of this amazing man, is his good friend and brother in law of 59 years Richard, brother in law, Stanley, his brother in law, Pete, his nephews and niece, Chris, James, John, Johnny and Crystle.

John was especially close to his Uncle Richard and coworker/engineer James Joyce. John also leaves behind his little furry children, 4 cats and two dogs, whom are all rescues.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 11:00 AM in the Shrine of Saint Margaret, 2523 Park Avenue, Bridgeport where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made for the care of his animals. Please contact the family at mrsmurz2002@yahoo.com.

To leave online condolences, visit Galello-Luchansky Funeral Home here.

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