Obituary: Robert ‘Buddy’ Niezgorski, 80, Of Wallingford

WALLINGFORD, CT — (From Wallingford Funeral Home): Robert “Buddy” Niezgorski, 80, of Wallingford, CT, died Thursday, January 12, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was the beloved husband of Bette Niezgorski.

Buddy was born in Meriden, CT, on September 1, 1942, son of the late Joseph F. and Mary Niezgorski. Buddy was a proud U.S. Marine Corps Veteran. He worked as a steamfitter for the UA Local 777 Plumbers & Pipefitters until his retirement. He enjoyed hunting and was an active member of the Wallingford Rod and Gun club, as well as the Wallingford Elks Lodge #1365.

In addition to his wife Bette, he is survived by his children, Steven Niezgorski and his wife Susana Carrera of Virginia, Laura Cronogue and her husband Jim of Arizona; his granddaughters Hunter Niezgorski and Savanna Petrunti; his brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Bev Nize; and many extended family members and dear friends.

Buddy was a lightning bolt, always had a comment or thought he was so willing to share. He would do anything for anyone and give you whatever he had to offer. He often gave you an answer to a question never asked. This is why he was so loved by everyone. His pure candor, honest opinion, and a pure heart made everyone feels safe in his presence.

His love for his family never wavered. He was extremely proud of Steven and Laura. The love he showered his granddaughters in was relentless. His notorious name went from Buddy to Papa in a flash. Always there to listen to their stories and again offer his unbiased opinion on how to live their lives. He loved going to the fishing derby and showing off Hunter. She was his sunlight and he was her Papa.

Anytime you were surrounded in his presence you would leave with tears in your eyes; either from his humor to his honest ways. He never left you disappointed. Often he left you questioning the whole conversation. He made you think. He loved everyone and always saw the good in folks. However, he was quick to let you know if they had a flaw.

Buddy has left a hole in people’s hearts. This earth will never be the same without him. He will be missed and loved, his stories will keep those smiling.

A celebration of his life will be held at The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 N. Main St. Ext., on Wednesday, Jan. 18 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Military honors will be rendered and eulogies will be shared in the funeral home at 1 p.m. Interment will be in the spring. In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory may be to the Wallingford Wishing Well.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Wallingford Funeral Home here.