Ira Henry Wasniewski

Ira H. Wasniewski, “Bob”, died quietly at his home Wednesday (April 19, 2017) with his wife of 62 years, Nan (Nancy Norton) by his side. Ira died on the same Marvin Road farm where he was born 89 years ago.  Born to Frank and Julia Wasniewski on Oct. 18, 1927, he was the last surviving sibling of 11 children – all born on the farm.  Ira was father to David Wasniewski (Sara), Dorothy Brett Dimberg, Julianna Cameron (Mark), Edward Wasniewski (Georgia), and Sylvina Rollins (Kevin). He was grandfather to one grandson, Tim Cameron and six granddaughters; Kristin, Lauren and Allison Dimberg, Sophie and Attabelle Wasniewski, and Sierra Cameron; and step grandchildren, Mark Rollins and Annya White. He is survived by many nieces and nephews as well as numerous students who he mentored during his long teaching tenure.  Ira graduated from Bacon Academy in 1945. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army to serve in World War II. He was involved in occupation of Korea, achieving the rank of Corporal. After the war, Ira enrolled at the University of Connecticut and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture in 1952 and a Master’s Degree in Education in 1955. At UCONN, he was a member of the Air Force ROTC, graduating at the top of his class and earning the rank of 1st Lieutenant.  Ira taught agricultural science at Norwich Free Academy for 30 years. As an advisor to the Future Farmers of America (FFA) program, he became a mentor to many students interested in agriculture and encouraged their participation in state and national FFA leadership roles.  In addition to his teaching career, Ira was also a full time farmer and raised poultry, cattle, and crops during his lifetime. He also operated a sand and gravel quarry on the farm. He was happiest working the land for which he had a deep respect and infinite knowledge.  He shared his passion for the farm and all it meant to his children, grandchildren and nieces and nephews who, like him, find the family farm a place to renew love of family, land and nature. In 2012, he took pleasure in hosting the Centennial Anniversary of the Wasniewski Farm that his parents purchased in 1912.  Ira was very active in Colchester. He was a member of the first Colchester Zoning Board, and a charter member of the Colchester Rotary Club.  Ira and his sons, David and Ned, also belonged to the YMCA sponsored Indian Guides.  The family will receive guests from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday (April 28th) at the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 Old Hartford Road, Colchester. On Saturday, April 29th, family and friends are invited to join them at the Wasniewski Farm on 167 Marvin Road at 1 p.m. for a celebration of Ira’s life.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the “Bacon Academy Board of Trustees”, P.O. Box 67, Colchester, CT 06415 and/or to “The Colchester Farm To School Council”, c/o Leslie Curtis, Treasurer, 110 Cato Corner Road, Colchester, CT 06415.