Henry S. (HANK) Skonieczny, age 91, of Stratford, beloved husband of Lillian Wojciehoski Skonieczny, passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2013 in Bridgeport Hospital. Mr. Skonieczny, a WW II veteran of the U.S. Army was born in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania to the late Michael and Mary (Konipinski) Skonieczny and has been a long time area resident. Hank enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1940 and served in the field artillery until 1942 when he volunteered to join the newly forming 82nd Airborne Division, as a Sergeant with the 82nd Airborne, He served in North Africa, participated in the first airborne military offensive in the history of the United States, during the invasion of Sicily, and at Anzio, where the ferocity of the 504th Airborne Infantry Division earned them the nickname "the devils in baggy pants" by their German opponents. After his time in combat, he served as a Military Police officer until being honorably discharged from the Army in 1945.In 1955 Hank came to Connecticut and began a 33 year career with Sikorsky Aircraft in the overhaul and repair department. He retired in 1988.
In his youth, Hank was a talented baseball player, earning him the nickname "Babe", which he is still called to this day. He was an avid fisherman and was active in his co-op's board of directors, where he was a currently seated board member. Survivors in addition to his beloved wife include his daughter Carol Davin, 3 grandsons Art Pincheon, Christian and Kyle Davin all of Stratford, a brother Jack Skonieczny of PA, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will take place on Saturday, June 1st at 10 a.m. in the Adzima Funeral Home 50 Paradise Green Place Stratford with Rev. Reginald Norman officiating. Interment with full military honors will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull. Friends may call on Friday from 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers those desiring may make donations to the Wounded Warriors Project P.O. Box 758517 Topeka, Kansas 66675 or www.woundedwarriorsproject.org