Chester Jablonski

Born on August 27, 1935 in Luck then part of the Wolyn Voivodeship within the Second Polish Republic. First born child of father Bronislaw and mother Helen (Platek) Jablonski. Chester's childhood was shattered by the outbreak of the Second World War and an early morning knock on the family door by the Soviet NKVD in February 1940. His family, which now included his brother Mike, was deported and removed by cattle car to a Soviet Gulag forced labor camp in Arkhangelsk Soviet Siberia where his beloved little sister Regina was born shortly upon arrival. Though deprived of personal liberty, Chester never succumbed to the yoke of Communist indoctrination in the Soviet style kindergarten which he attended. After an "amnesty" allowed his father to join a newly forming Polish Army, he traveled 1,200 miles by rail with family to Polish Army Headquarters in Buzuluk, USSR. Chester was deeply grateful to Polish General Wladyslaw Anders' insistence that all civilians be evacuated along with army personnel from the USSR to Persia in 1942. Thousands of civilians and their offspring owe their lives to General Anders. Chester was moved to Persia where he tasted freedom while recuperating. From time to time he would recollect his fond memories of the kindness local Persians showed him. Later Chester was evacuated to Tanganyika, Africa where he had his first real schooling with classes each morning and afternoons filled with childhood play. While there Chester learned Swahili and throughout his life delighted in conversations with Swahili speakers. The stay in Africa also brought his family a new blessing when his brother John was born in 1948. Eventually Chester's life journey brought him to England where he attended school to learn the trade of tool and die making. Later, the entire family moved to New Britain, Connecticut in 1956. Chester entered the US Army in 1958 and was stationed in Fort Hood, Texas and later Germany. While in the army he met his lifelong best friend and later brother in law, Alfred Kemmling. Returning from the army, Chester married his beloved wife Mary (Malczynski) Jablonski. Son Richard was born in 1963. 1971 brought more changes to his life when he moved to Newington Connecticut and with the birth of his second son Robert. Chester rarely missed a day of work and took pride in working in the American Manufacturing sector. He made many friends through work and enjoyed sharing spirits on occasion with them. Chester loved being a grandfather to granddaughters Barbara Gabriel and Melissa Jablonski. He was further blessed with great granddaughter Kinsley Gabriel and great grandson Elliott Gabriel. Chester was blessed with long time daughter in law Virginia (Cromwell) Jablonski whose tireless work and efforts in his care in his latter years allowed him to live at home until his passing. Chester's wife Mary predeceased him in 2018. He never fathomed his wife passing before him but he learned to cook and took joy in the everyday pleasures of feeding his squirrels and birds. He appreciated the kindness of his longtime Mohawk Circle neighbors who looked out for him daily.

With his early life forged by world conflict, Chester was an avid follower of world affairs. He often pondered "why can't countries and peoples just get along." There may never be a good answer to his question, but he found joy, comfort and peace in family and close friends.Chester is survived by his children Richard Jablonski and his wife Virginia of Newington; Robert Jablonski of Austin, Texas; sister Regina Kemmling and husband Alfred of Kensington;brother John Jablonski and his wife Gloria of Old Saybrook; sister-in-law Janina Jablonski of New Britain; granddaughter Barbara Gabriel and husband William of Newington; granddaughter Melissa Jablonski of Newington; great granddaughter Kinsley Gabriel of Newington; great grandson Elliott Gabriel of Newington; and ten nieces and nephews. Chester was predeceased by his wife Mary, brother Mike Jablonski, and great granddaughter Addilynn Gabriel. Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, May 10th at 10:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Church, 158 Broad St., New Britain. Following the mass, he will be laid to rest with his wife in Sacred Heart Cemetery, New Britain. Duksa Family Funeral Homes at Newington Memorial, 20 Bonair Ave., Newington is serving his family. To share a memory or condolence, please visit us at www.duksa.net.