Obituary: Kevin Pianka of Naugatuck

Obituary courtesy of Fitzgerald/Zembruski Funeral Home

Kevin Pianka Obituary

With devastated and saddened hearts we must let everyone know about the passing of our loving brother Kevin K. Pianka who passed away unexpectedly in his sleep at home at just 58 years old.

Never did we think that Kevin would miss growing old with us and helping us to care for one another as we age.

Kevin was the son of the most loving parents Stanislaw and Marianna Pianka who immigrated from Poland to Naugatuck CT in 1964 with 4 boys (born in Poland) and the 5th, Kevin born in the USA on May 8, 1965. Mom sent a picture to her own mother in Poland and noted “Here is Kevin, our little American.”

Then his little sister Elizabeth (Ela) was born in December 1966. He loved all of his brothers equally. He spent much time with them working on cars, fixing homes, and he said “I just want everyone to be happy.” He had an extra special connection with his only sister who considered herself his younger twin because they had so much in common. He said, “This is my seester”. Just 1.5 yrs. apart they went to St. Hedwig’s Polish grammar school and Sacred Heart H.S. together.

When Kevin’s light blue Charger started up in the morning to drive Ela to H.S. he made sure the 8 track player was blasting his favorite Led Zeppelin tunes so they could both rock out singing together. Kevin was so proud to have had such a close relationship with his father and mother. He cherished them. He’d walk in and say “Hi momma” and she’d instantly smile and reach her hands out to him. Most times dancing and singing together.

Everything he accomplished and everything he surpassed he did to make his mother, father, and family proud. He was the first person to give you a compliment, the first to cheer you up, to help you fix your car or house because he had such a caring heart. He cared about everyone and always told us who reached out to him and how he really appreciated people who loved him and remembered him. He had many friends he called “brother” and he will miss each and every one.

He was a true “Union City” boy. He loved his town and people in it.

He will be remembered for all of his kindness, his caring blue eyes, his warm hugs, his jokes and laughter, his love of 80’s rock music, his keeping up with new tunes/dance music, and for the way he loved his family, including cousins in the USA and Poland. He also loved the color “purple” and when shopping with Ela would ask which purple shirt he would look best in. I think he looked great in all of them because it was his wonderful spirit that made him shine. Besides, I think he was the most handsome anyway, with his blonde hair and blue eyes.

A space will be missing at the holiday table this year where we will miss his hugs, warmth, and laughter. We were all so proudof him and his wonderful cooking. Kevin was a master chef who always added just the right spices.

He was predeceased by his parents Stanislaw & Marianna Pianka & also 6 siblings in Poland. He leaves behind his 5siblings from oldest to youngest Marian (Mike) Pianka, wife Heidi, Teddy Pianka, John Pianka, Richard Pianka, and 1-sister Elizabeth Pianka May, husband Richard. He also leaves behind a son Steven Woodfield of Naugatuck, who he loved so much and was so proud of. In addition he leaves behind a nephew Michael Pianka, and 3 nieces Elisa (Pianka) Palumbo, wife Nikki, Lindsay Pianka, and Sarah (Doyle) Tingley.

Everyone that will attend the services please “Wear Purple” also if you have any “Steelers, Harley, or sports car” hats or shirts he would love you to wear them to honor his favorite things.
Calling hours: Fitzgerald/Zembruski Funeral Home (240 North Main Street Naugatuck, CT.) on Thursday Nov. 30 from 2-4 pm & from 6-8 p.m.

Final calling hour: Friday December 1st at 8:30 a.m. Fitzgerald/Zembruski Funeral Home. Then Mass at St. Vincent Ferrer Church at 10 a.m. (1006 New Haven Rd Naugatuck)After Mass burial at St. James Cemetery (249 Cross St Naugatuck). “Celebration of Life” immediately following at the Crystal Room (98 School St Naugatuck) 12-3 pm. (Please wear “Purple”) All are welcome! Kevin would have wanted his family and friends to be together and join in the remembrance of his life.