Joseph A. Gawlik, 93, of Meriden, Passed Away March 29

Obituary courtesy of SSR Funeral Home.

Joseph A. Gawlik, 93, beloved husband of the late Helen P. (Przech) Gawlik, died peacefully on March 29, 2015 at Bentley Commons in Bedford, NH.

Born on October 15, 1921 he was the son of the late Anthony and Antionette Gawlik, A longtime resident of Meriden, he attended local schools and was a parishioner of St. Stanislaus Church. Joseph proudly served in the United States Coast Guard during WWII from 1942-1946 on the USS Buren PF42. He worked for the International Silver Company from where he retired in 1983. In 1937 Joseph began a career as a professional drummer that lasted until 1971. He played in Polish bands: the Ted Terry & Nights of Melody Band, the Walter Dolecki Band, the Walter Solek Band and the Krakowska Band. Joseph was a member of the Musicians Union Local 400, the Knights of the Blessed Virgin and the VFW.

Mr. Gawlik is survived by two sons: Stephen Gawlik of Meriden, Paul Gawlik and his wife Helen of NH; his two daughters: Mary Ann Durin of NH, Patricia Hass and her husband Jeffrey of PA; a brother-in-law John Przech; six grandchildren; nine great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son Thomas Gawlik; a brother Alfred Gawlik and two sisters: Mary Cichowski and Gertrude Gawlik.

Family and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian burial on Wednesday April 1, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Stanislaus Church. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Stempien Funeral Home, 450 Broad St., Meriden. To send an online expression of sympathy please visit www.stempienfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Mr. Joseph A. Gawlik may be made to Compassionate Care Hospice, 25 Nashua Rd., Bldg. E, Suite 3, Londonderry, NH 03053.