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Anthony Martin Kwedar, age 86, passed away Tuesday, December 5, 2023
Tony was born at home in Baltimore, MD, on February 21, 1937, to the late John J. Kwedar and Albina O. Kwedar of Severna Park, MD.
Tony briefly served in the Air Force and graduated from Iona College.
Working as a Purchasing Agent for Lever Bros., he moved from Maryland to New York, where he settled in Darien, CT, with his beloved first wife, Miriam C. Walas (predeceased 2005). He later worked for Unilever and Lipton Tea.
He was dedicated to St. Johns Parish in Darien, where he was a member of the Joyful Praise, one of St. John’s choirs, under the direction of Frank Porretta, and many church activities, including their Community Garden, always helping those in need. He was an active member of the Darien Men’s Association and various Bridge Clubs and was a proud recorder of the scorebook in the PONS Bridge Club. He will be fondly remembered by family and friends as a caring and compassionate gentleman, with a delightful sense of humor.
He leaves behind a loving wife, Sandra S. Kwedar (married in 2008).
“Pa Tony” graciously embraced Sandy’s daughters Lori Pipicello (Armando), Kim Davenport (Jeff), and Jill Muller (Allen) and adoring grandchildren Jessica Schmidt (David), Amy Mazza (Sam), and Andrew Speziale.
He was a loving brother of John Kwedar, Alby Halsey, and Anna Marie Vitkauskas, and a dear Uncle to 16 nieces and nephews.
A Mass was held at St. Johns Church of Darien on December 12, 2023, with an Internment at Spring Grove Cemetery.
Tony was a past of the Darien Men’s Association. He remained an active member leading the Bridge Club. He is fondly remembered as a wonderful person and contributor to the DMA. He will be missed. Here is his bio in his own words.
I was born (1937) in Baltimore, 3 blocks from the house (Bar) that Babe Ruth was reared in. I became an honest person by attending Catholic schools for my formal education. The night school route was used to complete (BSBA) my schooling at Iona College in New Rochelle (1973).
My business career began with the Lever Brothers plant in Baltimore (1958) in the Purchasing field. A solid knowledge that began there was the foundation for entering the Packaging Material Field. I was transferred to NYC in 1996.
Along the journey, my time was spent with other companies (Beech-Nut, Tetley). I eventually returned to the Unilever clan of Thomas J. Lipton as Purchasing Manager- Packaging Materials (1992).
My first wife (Miriam) of 45 years ended with her death in 2005. I remarried my current wife (Sandy) in 2008 and am fortunate to have experienced two happy marriages. Having conceived no children with my first wife, I inherited 3 children and 3 grandchildren with Sandy. I have lived in Darien since 1968.
My favorite pastimes involve golf, chess, bridge, and gardening – all of which my prowess is to be admired, but not imitated!
Donations may be made to: Person-to-Person, Darien, CT or the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation
“HIKING” SHERWOOD ISLAND STATE PARK
SHERWOOD ISLAND CONNECTOR
WESTPORT, CT
JANUARY 18, 2024
We will be walking about 3 miles through Sherwood Island State Park on mostly hard and gravel paths. Very little up and down. We will meet in the Pavilion parking lot at 10:30 AM. The Park hugs the Sound shoreline and is often quite windy. Dogs are permitted on a leash and, as always, bring anyone with you who would enjoy a one hour plus walk in a beautiful setting. We will have an optional lunch after at the Little Barn in Westport.
HISTORY
Sherwood Island State Park is the oldest state park in Connecticut dating to 1914. The island itself was first settled by Daniel Sherwood in1787 where he built a grist mill. Over the next 70 years the land was farmed by many others but around 1860 the property became known as “Sherwood’s Island”
After the Connecticut State Park Commission was formed in 1911 the search for suitable shorefront property to buy was on. The first piece of the existing park was purchased in 1914 making this the oldest state park. The park officially opened in 1932 but not until 1950 did the Army Corps of Engineers build the jetties and extend the beaches. The Pavilion opened in 1959 and a 911 Memorial was added in 2002.
DIRECTIONS
This one is easy! Take Exit 18 off I-95 (Sherwood Island connector) and turn right towards the Sound. The road goes directly into the Park. Keep straight onto the wide roundabout and take the exit marked “Pavilion Parking”. We’ll meet at the front of that lot up towards the Pavilion.