DUDLEY – William J. Brezenski, 78, of Barry Avenue, died peacefully at his home on Tuesday, November 25, with his family at his side, following a yearlong battle with cancer. He is now reunited with his wife and soul mate of 51 years, Josephine Hannah “Jo” (Smith) Brezenski, who passed in June 2007.
He leaves a son, Robert, and his wife, Kathy Brezenski, a granddaughter, Kristin, and a grandson, Justin, all of Dudley; three sisters, Terry Radula of Norfork MA, Dorothy Dabrowski of Cooperstown NY, and Patricia Romine of Vero Beach FL; a brother-in-law, Francis Smith, of Tiverton, RI; and 16 nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by a brother, Francis, and a sister, Eleanor Dillon..
He was born and raised in Dudley, a son of Thomas and Mary (Alexandrowicz) Brezenski and was a lifelong resident. In his younger years, he was known as “Buzzy”. After graduating from Worcester Trade School he joined the Air Force. He was stationed at Kadena AFB on the Island of Okinawa, and achieved the rank of Technical Sergeant during the Korean War.
Mr. Brezenski was a parishioner of Saint Andrew Bobola Church and was a member of The Dudley Veterans and Polish American Veterans in Webster, and participated in many organizational capacities over the years. A lifelong Democrat, he was involved with local politics and held positions with The Dudley Board of Health.
Bill used his creative talents as a baker, pastry chef and cake decorator for many years, mostly at Central Bakery in Dudley’s past. He had a second career in construction, and worked for several years with P&P General Contractors of Dudley. He also received great pleasure from woodworking, and made most of the furnishings in his home, including many nautical lamps, boat models, and Christmas ornaments. His love of the sea inspired much of his creativity and life’s work.
Boating was a big enjoyment in his life. Starting out with small boats and fishing in the local lakes, Bill had a custom 18-foot wooden boat made to take on offshore waters. The family then went on extended trips, trailering to the ocean in search of bigger fish. Two larger wooden vessels followed; 30 and 47-foot cabin cruisers that he moored in Wickford RI. He continued to cruise the waters of Narragansett Bay and Nantucket Sound, fishing and SCUBA diving. This sport led to and involved the true passion in his life: boating safety.
Bill was a member and officer in the US Coast Guard Auxiliary for 43 years. As an Instructor, Vessel Safety Examiner, administrator, and by performing hundreds of safety related operational patrols on vessels as a volunteer civilian, he touched many lives…and directly saved a few along the way. He was the recipient of the New England Boating Council’s JEFFREY H. WILLIAMS SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD in 1983 along with several Coast Guard citations for saving three lives on two separate occasions. He organized and was the founding Commander of Webster Flotilla 1005 in 1975, Captain of Division 10 Worcester, Rear and Vice Commodore of the 1st Coast Guard District, where he was in charge of a staff responsible for training over 2600 persons covering most of New England. Bill has filled drawers and walls with awards, certificates, and placards over his Coast Guard Aux career. As of September 7th, following the completion of his 339th Vessel Safety Check at the Webster Memorial Beach Boat ramp, he just may be the recipient of the COMMODORE H.P. HADLEY VESSEL EXAMINER of the year award, for the second year running, to cap off his outstanding dedication to the boating public and safety.
The family wishes to acknowledge the compassionate care, assistance and guidance given to us by Lisa of the Visiting Nurse Association of Southern Worcester County Inc.,and the fantastic staff of the Hospice Services of Western Massachusetts LLC including: RN’s Rhonda, Debbie, Martha, and Lisa; the CNA’s Kim, Mary, Yvonne, David, and Alana; Catherine and Rev. Clyde.
The funeral to celebrate his life will be held on Monday, December 1, from the Sitkowski & Malboeuf Funeral Home, 340 School St., Webster, with a Mass at 10 AM in Saint Andrew Bobola Church, 54 West Main Street. Burial alongside his wife Jo will be in St. Joseph Garden of Peace, Webster. Calling hours are from 2:00 to 5:00 PM on Sunday November 30, in the funeral home. As beautiful as flowers are, the family is requesting that Bill be remembered by a donation to The Salvation Army A.R.C., 72 Cambridge St., Worcester, MA 01603 or The Jimmy Fund, c/o Dana Farber Hospital, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th floor, Brookline, MA 02445-7295