Casimer Waleska

Casimer Waleska, 96, of Westchester, formerly of Cicero passed away on October 21, 2012. Cherished husband of the late Estelle V. Waleska, nee Kokocki for 50 years, beloved father of Veronica (David) Trepina, Christine (John) Badagliacco, and Rosemarie (Timothy Kelleher) Waleska; loving grandfather of Matthew (Amanda) and Michael Trepina, Steven, Brett, and Elana Schmidt, Maura, Brianna, and Michael Kelleher, great-grandpa of Abigail and Ella Trepina. His quiet strength was an inspiration to all. Casimer was born in Poland. He was a tremendously generous, committed, and giving person. He escaped Poland at the outbreak of WWII and joined the French Army in the Middle East. After France’s fall, he joined the British Army in Palestine to continue to fight against Nazi Germany and defend Poland as part of the Polish Independent Carpathian Brigade. He saw action in North Africa, including Tobruk. As part of the Polish II Corps, he fought at Monte Cassino in Italy. He spent over six years in front line combat. After WWII, with the fall of the Iron Curtain he could not return to his beloved country, Poland. Casimer lived in England until he immigrated to his new country, the United States, in 1951, where he married and had his family. He was a great dad, husband, and friend – helping many Polish immigrants succeed. He worked for Scot Forge for over 20 years as a lathe operator and supervisor. Casimer was a wonderful man who lived with simplicity and grace, never angered by the challenges he faced in life. He will always be loved. Visitation Tuesday, October 23, 2012 from 3 P.M. to 8 P.M. and Wednesday, October 24, 2012 from 9 A.M. to 9:30 A.M. at Hitzeman Funeral Home Ltd., 9445 West 31st Street, Brookfield. Funeral Wednesday 9:30 A.M. to Divine Providence Church, Westchester, Mass 10 A.M. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Memorial appreciated in the form of Masses, Divine Providence Church. Information 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com