Henry Joseph Pawelczyk, 83, of New Britain, CT., passed away Sunday, November 6, 2016 at home. Henry was born on May 24, 1933 in New Britain, CT and was the son of the late Stanley J. and Genowefa (Choinska) Pawelczyk. Upon graduating high school in New Britain, he enlisted in the United States Army and served in Germany. After serving in the Army, Henry returned to New Britain and began a construction paving company with his uncles, and built a thriving business. He married his sweetheart and lifelong love, Eleanor May Watts in 1957. Shortly after, his paving company folded, and Henry worked numerous jobs to support his family, until he started working as a machinist with Fafnir Bearing Company and later, the Torrington Company where he worked until he retired for the first time. He also worked at Connecticare, DMK Anatomy Dept. of UCONN and as a hearse driver for many funeral homes in New Britain. Henry enjoyed fishing on Long Island Sound for flatfish, and Point Judith for cod and bluefish. He loved to travel with his wife, cruising to Alaska and the Caribbean, driving to Maine and New Hampshire. Henry and Eleanor visited Germany, France, Switzerland and Hawaii. He and Eleanor loved to travel with Eleanor’s cousin Geri and her husband, Bob Quintal visiting Florida and Cape Cod often. Henry had a generous spirit and made friends easily. He made his rounds early every morning visiting different groups of friends.
Henry is survived by his beloved wife Eleanor Pawelczyk of fifty-nine years, of New Britain, CT. his daughter Cheryl McClellan and her husband Ken of Middletown, CT., his son David Pawelczyk of New Britain, CT his brothers Robert Pawelczyk of New Britain, CT, George Pawelczyk and his wife Judy of Bristol, CT. and Tom Pawelczyk and his wife Betty of Kensington CT., his sister Joann Pawelczyk of New Britain, CT., and his two grandchildren Meagan Sneeringer and her husband Luke of Pflugerville, Texas and Michael McClellan of Newport News, VA.

Funeral rites for Henry will be held Saturday, November 12, 2016 at 10 a.m. with the procession departing at 10:30 a.m. from the Paul A. Shaker Funeral Home, 764 Farmington Ave., New Britain, CT. followed by a Liturgy of Christian burial at 11:30 a.m. at Holy Cross Church, Farmington Ave., New Britain, CT. Burial with full military honors will be in St. Mary Cemetery, 1141 Stanley St., New Britain, CT. The American flag will be presented to Henry’s wife Eleanor. Relatives and friends may call at the Paul A. Shaker Funeral Home Friday from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Directions to funeral home – I-84 east or west, exit 37 (Fienemann Rd), right off exit – one mile down on right. To extend condolences to the Pawelczyk family or to share a memory of Henry, please visit shakerfuneralhome.com.