James Joseph Stefanowicz

James Joseph Stefanowicz, “Jim”, age 66, of Colchester, passed away at Yale New Haven Hospital on January 27, 2021 after a sudden, brief, and debilitating illness. His beloved family was by his side. 

Born on March 31, 1954 in Hartford, he was a son of Lillian (DeGemmis) Stefanowicz and the late Stanley Chester Stefanowicz of Colchester.  Jim was a lifelong resident of Colchester, attending school there and graduating from Bacon Academy. He went on to earn a degree as an Electronic Technician which afforded him many opportunities to work in a wide variety of specialized communication and electronic technologies.  He was a Jack of all trades and a master of many. He finished his long and successful career and retired in 2019.  

Jim married the love of his life, Louise Brown on November 10, 1979.  The couple built their home and raised their four beautiful daughters (all Daddy’s girls), in their own familiar hometown of Colchester. He loved to go on road trips with his family and all explore together. Spending time with his family was always his top priority and his number one joy in life.

Jim was involved with his community as a founding member of the Colchester Business Association as well as volunteering to help many other local groups with their endeavors.  Jim was a gifted artist, painting beautiful sunsets and breathtaking scenes.  He was also talented with woodworking and leather craft.  A pastime of Jim’s was fixing cars or tinkering with most anything that needed fixing.  He was always laughing and joking around. He never failed to make the people around him smile. He loved exploring and off-road driving.  Most importantly, he will be remembered by his loved ones as a hardworking and fiercely devoted husband and family man.  He was a Knight in Shining Armor, always coming to the rescue of those in need.

He will be greatly missed but always remembered with love by his wife Louise of 41 years; his mother, Lillian; four daughters and their spouses, Irene (Brenden) Healy of Colchester, Charlene (Juan) Rodriguez of Lake View Terrace, CA, Laura (Brian) Healy of Moodus, Frances Stefanowicz of Colchester; eight grandchildren, Joshua Healy, Elijah Healy, Samuel Healy, Lilliana Healy, Savanna Healy, Emma Rodriguez, Gabriella Healy, Nicole Healy; a brother, Stanley “Craig” Stefanowicz of Colchester; two sisters, Gloria (Larry) Hinton of Colchester, Nancy (Doug) Thomas of Republic, MO; and numerous extended family members and friends.  The lives of those who loved Jim will never be the same, but they will think of him and smile because you cannot think of Jim and his boyish charm without smiling. He was taken too soon. We are sure he is still telling his jokes and making God and His angels smile and laugh.

Walk through calling hours utilizing face coverings and social distancing will be held on Wednesday, February 3rd from 4 – 7 pm at the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 Old Hartford Rd., Colchester.  Burial will be held privately in Linwood Cemetery.  Donations in his memory may be made to the Colchester Hayward Volunteer Fire Department, 52 Old Hartford Rd., Colchester 06415.  For online condolences, please visit www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.