Obituary of John Brudz

John Brudz of Marlborough, CT passed away peacefully at Hartford Hospital on Tuesday, February 21, 2012. John was born in Rzeczkowo near Torun, Poland on November 12, 1925. He was the son of Andrzej and Antonina (Malek) Brudz. Arrested by the Gestapo on May 9, 1942 at the young age of 16 he was placed in the Pustkow Concentration Camp in Poland. He was later transferred to the Sachenhausen Concentration Camp in Germany and walked for two weeks on the Death March until he was liberated on May 3, 1945 by the American Army. He said he would always remember that unbelievable day when he saw the Americans. John believed in the power of hope and knew it was the main reason for his ability to incredibly survive 3 years of unspeakable torture. John's experiences and memories during that time period shaped his life and he was forever grateful for the beautiful life he was able to live having survived the atrocities of the Holocaust. John shared his experiences of that time so that those who knew his story would never forget. Although many found it difficult to retell their experiences of the Holocaust, John knew how important it was for people to know the truth. In 1998 his testimony was documented by the Shoah Foundation Institute's Visual History which is archived at the Holocaust Museum. John's mottos in life were, 'If there's a will there's a way' and 'You have nothing to lose by trying'. John had absolutely no fear of failure, was passionate about learning new things and embraced all that life had to offer. He had a great love and respect for this country and never forgot the freedoms that he was given. John immigrated to the United States in 1949 and settled in NYC for 41 years before retiring to CT. He helped many families who immigrated to his adopted homeland, helping them find work, homes and whatever else was asked of him. John loved his family more than anything in this world. He knew what was most in important in this life. John's family was his top priority and made sure that they were always taken care of. He wanted his children and grandchildren to remember their Polish heritage, to embrace the American culture and to appreciate all the wonderful gifts and opportunities that they were given. John always wanted everyone to appreciate all that they had because he knew all to well what the world was like when people had no freedom. He loved teaching his children how to swim, skate, ride their bikes and learn how to drive a car. John took great delight in doing these same things with his grandchildren who were the apple of his eye. John's circle of friends crossed generations because of his ability to connect with people of all ages and cultures. That same circle expanded as he became close friends with the friends of his own children. He never turned away a friend in need. His home was always open to everyone, was filled with good food and conversation and the loving and supporting hand of friendship. Everyone knew John Brudz and everyone knew there was nothing he could not fix, install or design. John is survived by his loving family; his wife Stella of 51 years; his daughter Irene Montalti, her husband Frank, their children Nicholas and Andrew Montalti; his daughter Christine Brudz, her husband George Rodriguez and their children Megan and Adam Brudz-Rodriguez. John will also be remembered by his dear nieces, nephews and countless dear friends. Funeral service will be Saturday, Feb. 25, at 10:00am from the Mulryan Funeral Home, 725 Hebron Ave., Glastonbury to St. Cyril & St. Methodius Church, 55 Charter Oak Ave., Hartford for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am. Entombment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Glastonbury. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home Friday, Feb. 24 from 4-8pm. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the American Veterans Association, 4647 Forbes Blvd., Lanham, MD. 20706.