Tribute Wall
Plant a tree in memory of James
An environmentally friendly option
5 tree(s) planted in memory of James Banasiewicz
Loading...
A
Anonymous planted 3 trees in memory of James Banasiewicz
Sunday, February 18, 2024
3 trees were planted in memory of
James W. Banasiewicz
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-store/premium-tree-bg.jpg
We send our sincere condolences and prayers during this difficult time. Mark & Judi Piontkowski, Andrea & Patrick O'Day, Gretchen & Mark Kornutik Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
Please wait
B
Britt Dupre Henry uploaded photo(s)
Friday, March 15, 2024
/public-file/687/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
My very first memory of Jimmy was at Highland Lake. I was 4 and my brother 3 when Uncle Jimmy took us to McDonald’s for breakfast so my parents could clean the cottage on move out day. We were so tiny sitting in the back of his big Buick. This was just the beginning of so many memories I have of Uncle Jimmy. I also remember the first time Jimmy brought Barbara to the lake. Barbara and I sat at the picnic table talking for what seemed like hours. We had a special connection from the very beginning. Uncle Jimmy brought so much love to all of us. I will forever cherish the beautiful friendship between my dad and Uncle Jim! Love Always, Britt
B
Barbara Banasiewicz uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
/public-file/683/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
Jim’s 72nd birthday January 29, 2024 was celebrated with a pizza and cheese cake supper with Roland, Britt and Barbara at Monsignor Bojnowski Manor where he was receiving short-term rehab. He was given scratch tickets from family and friends and he won $35. The tickets were cashed in and winnings will be used to purchase bird seed for his outdoor friends.
R
Roland Dupre uploaded photo(s)
Monday, March 11, 2024
/public-file/679/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
Barbara & Jim sailing in Grand Cayman
S
Sue Zack uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, March 7, 2024
/public-file/678/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
Most people knew Jim was mechanically gifted and appreciated the beauty of cars and trucks. But I will more likely think of him as the sweet, soft-spoken "Candy Man" who shared a seemingly endless supply of Munson's chocolates with family members and friends. But this thoughtful, gentle man will forever live in my memory as the reason for the enduring smile on my cousin's Barbara's face.
Thank you, Jim. Godspeed.
E
Elizabeth Karpiej posted a condolence
Thursday, March 7, 2024
Jim was one of the kindest people I ever met. Dave and I both admired his knowledge of all things mechanical and car related.
He was always willing to help, and he always smiled and joked while he did so.
His sense of humor had only one glitch - he loved to remind me at Christmas that I had to start the Opłatek, since I was the Oldest. He made up for it with a gift of Munson's Chocolate.
Munson's will always remind me of Jim and his kind nature.
B
Barbara Banasiewicz uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
/public-file/676/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
/public-file/677/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
Christmas Day during Covid looked a lot different. Grab and go dinners from the garage. New Hampshire weekend also look different.
T
Tom and Diane Blackler posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
Jim was a "one-of-a-kind" guy. We have so many fond memories of Jim. In the decades we have been blessed to know Jim and Barb, we cannot remember a time when Jim was not smiling and ready to share a story. His laugh leaves an indelible memory and makes us smile every time! In the years that Tom worked with Jim, he was always the go-to guy. He would always step up to the plate to help and get things done. He was everyone's friend! Even though we had not lived in CT for some time, we knew Jim was someone we could count on if we ever needed to. You will be greatly missed Jim! Thank you for all of the laughs and memories! Love and prayers to Barbara!!
Tom and Diane Blackler
N
Nancy Dubay uploaded photo(s)
Monday, March 4, 2024
/public-file/673/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
Jim was my baby brother who I loved so much. We had a nice life growing up together. He could do no wrong cause he was the baby! All he would eat was Franco American Spaghetti, mom had to buy it by the case.
He always put others before himself. He never missed a holiday without Munson Chocolates for everyone. He was always there when you needed him.
Spending time at the lake was so much fun. Boat rides, food, and lots of laughter.
I know you’re in heaven with mom, dancing away having fun, without pain.
Moose, Kaylee, Ashley, Amanda, and Stephanie will also miss him. He was good to them.
We will miss and love you so much.
Sister Nancy
L
Lou Banasiewicz uploaded photo(s)
Monday, March 4, 2024
/public-file/672/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
Banasiewicz Family Photo from 70th Birthday at Jim and Barbara's Home.
D
Diana Stelma uploaded photo(s)
Monday, March 4, 2024
/public-file/670/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
/public-file/671/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
My god father Jimmy (“uncle Jimmy”) was a genuine person with a heart of gold. He was truly one of a kind. The type of person that would give anyone the shirt off of his back. I will always hold the memories close to my heart of the endless Christmases we would spend together in my god parent’s home in Connecticut. All the way from childhood to adulthood, I always looked forward to that time of year. That was when uncle Jimmy introduced me to what a “high-ball” was. So many fun and joyful memories that I will cherish forever. Thank you for being my god father, there was no better man for the job than you. I know that you’ll watch over me now. God had other plans for you, and I’m at peace knowing that you’re in a better place. Until I see you again.
~ Diana
M
Mary Ann and Steve Varga uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, March 3, 2024
/public-file/659/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
/public-file/660/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
/public-file/661/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
/public-file/662/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
+ 6
When Barbara met Jim at CT Sports Club and then married him in 1985, our lives became richer. We learned so many things from Jim: how to be generous with love, hospitality, $$, Munson's chocolates and kind words; how to make the best baked beans; the best way to get around Highland Lake on a pontoon boat; how to fix your car problem; how to throw the best Christmas Day open house; how to fix just about anything, often with tools from his car. Jim was the best uncle and brother in law, always up for a trip to far off places like Syracuse, Rochester, West Virginia, Maryland, Rockport Mass, Bermuda, to celebrate events or support his nieces, or just to hang out and get ice cream. We will miss him terribly - let's keep smiling when we think about him.
B
Barbara Banasiewicz uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, March 3, 2024
/public-file/658/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
Next came the garage. And our first Christmas tree.
B
Barbara Banasiewicz uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, March 3, 2024
/public-file/657/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
Building our house, summer 1985.
B
Barbara Banasiewicz uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, March 3, 2024
/public-file/656/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
A Christmas gift from my cousin Sue.
E
Eric Banasiewicz uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, March 3, 2024
/public-file/655/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
Christmas at Uncle Jim’s was always something to look forward to! He was a kind and generous man that I wish I could have been with more. Thank God eternity awaits us!
Eric
L
Lou Banasiewicz uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, March 3, 2024
/public-file/653/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
Avery Banasiewicz 5th Birthday.
L
Lou Banasiewicz uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, March 3, 2024
/public-file/652/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
Enjoying Jim's 65th Birthday at Portofino's in Kensington CT.
E
Elizabeth Griffith uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, March 3, 2024
/public-file/646/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
/public-file/647/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
/public-file/648/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
/public-file/649/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
+ 2
As my Uncle and Godfather, when I think of Uncle Jim I think of all the birthdays, holidays and family pizza diners that I’d see him. He was always around as I grew up. I’m grateful that he could also be around to see my kids grow. Notably making trips to MD for baptisms and birthdays for my kids. Uncle Jim always looked out for people- from giving car maintenance and repair tips to handing out Munsons to sliding money for gas. My sons share a love for cars with Jim. Noah even got to go to a car show to see the truck. He got a hot wheel toy car from ‘the car show man’ and still plays with it remembering our trip to see Uncle Jim’s car at the car show. We know that Uncle Jim is in heaven and hope he has found peace there.
K
Katherine Varga posted a condolence
Sunday, March 3, 2024
I was so lucky to be one of Uncle Jim’s goddaughters, growing up with him as a constant, kind presence at family gatherings and holidays. Uncle Jim was a great role model for an introvert, showing a shy kid that it was okay for an adult to be quiet, take in their surroundings, and enjoy the moment. He was generous in many ways, sharing everything he could, from chocolate to cash to car expertise. I remember him fondly for his gentle camaraderie with his pet parakeets over the years, and like to imagine him now feeding a flock of Charlie birds.
B
Barbara Banasiewicz uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, March 3, 2024
/public-file/645/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
Jim’s god daughter Diana Stelma
B
Barbara Banasiewicz uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, March 2, 2024
/public-file/643/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
B
Barbara Banasiewicz uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, March 2, 2024
/public-file/641/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
/public-file/642/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
Jim, after your last appointment on Jan. 23, 2024 to oncologist Dr Byrne, you insisted we had coffee and a danish in the cafe at the Cancer Center. Little did we know it would be our last date out-and we were Chauffeured by Dial- a -Ride. Thank you for the 38+ years of giving me the pleasure of being your wife. Love always, Barbara.
W
Walt and Joanne Stelma uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, March 2, 2024
/public-file/633/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
/public-file/634/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
/public-file/635/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
/public-file/636/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
+ 4
We are mourning the loss of an Amazing man and best friend. Jim was the most genuine, honest and generous human being there ever was. You fought the battle Jimmy and now, may you rest peacefully in God’s loving arms. Love always, Walt and Joanne.
B
Barbara Banasiewicz uploaded photo(s)
Friday, March 1, 2024
/public-file/630/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
/public-file/631/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
/public-file/632/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
B
Barbara Banasiewicz uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, February 29, 2024
/public-file/621/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
/public-file/622/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
/public-file/623/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
/public-file/624/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
+ 2
B
Barbara Banasiewicz uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, February 29, 2024
/public-file/611/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
/public-file/612/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
/public-file/613/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
/public-file/614/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
+ 6
R
Roland Dupre posted a condolence
Thursday, February 29, 2024
EULOGY
Good morning.
We are here to celebrate the life of James William Banasiewicz, my godfather, who was born and who died in New Britain, Connecticut.
He was the son of Helen Swider and Lucian Banasiewicz of New Britain, grandson of Anna Kowalski and Kazimeirz Banasiewicz of Poland, and Rose Ridel of Massachusetts and Joseph Swider of New Britain, both of whose parents were from Poland.
Yet none of us, that I know of, speak Polish... so, thanks to using the terms growing up, I always assumed that babcia and dziadek (which I pronounced as bop-chee and dziadziu) - how I referred to my great grandparents Joseph and Rose - meant grandmother and grandfather. They and Joe's cigars lived up on the third floor of the three family on Park Street (my brother Eric remembers the smell, too). But I learned these definitions when my brother Brian's wife Amy began using them to refer to my parents in front of my niece, Avery. We called Uncle Jim's parents Nonnie and Papa, which I think is Italian...
In any case, it must have been wonderful to grow up with 2 brothers, 2 sisters, parents AND grandparents - all the close family - within reach.
You might know I do a bit of genealogical research. Well, Uncle Jim made the Hartford Courant in June of 1969:
"Youth Arrested On Noise Charge - Policeman Louis Marino said James Banasiewicz, 17, of 473 [they left out the 'and a half'] Park St. could have left school in a quieter way. The officer charged the youth with making unnecessary noise with a motor vehicle Friday when, he said, Banasiewicz drove out of the E. C. Goodwin Technical School parking lot at a high rate of speed, with tires spinning, making loud noises. Marino said when the student spotted him he slammed on the brakes in such a manner as to cause the auto to bounce up and down." Oops. But he did love cars.
As far as I know, that was his only run in with the law, and he grew up a responsible young man, working at his dad's gas station with his brothers, becoming a mechanic, then a machinist, and, in his spare time, a boater. Cousin Paul told me the tale of urging Uncle Jim to speed it up while riding in his pontoon boat up on Highland Lake in Winsted, Uncle Jim proclaiming "it can't go any faster!" Maybe that high school speeding ticket had something to do with it.
I remember Christmas at Uncle Jim's. The home was filled with people, including Aunt Barbara's sister Mary Ann's family, whom I now regularly see at Sunday services at South Church in New Britain. Who knew? But what I really remember as a child was his full stereo sized 8-track player - that had a record button!
What I don't remember is bags of Munson's chocolates. I hear that Uncle Jim has been keeping that company in business for a very long time. Everyone needed a Munson's chocolate, wherever he went. He was even asking Aunt Barbara to bring him bags of the candy to Monsignor Bojnowski Manor so he could distribute them to the staff.
He liked taking care of other people.
One of the last times I saw him was for dinner at Max Pizza in New Britain. Before we even got in the building he insisted that HE was buying. I said "only because you said it first!" It was so good to catch up that day.
For six months later - he was in the funeral home - wearing a fabulous tropical patterned shirt, that I hear was not cheap. The day he bought it Aunt Barbara asked "are you really going to spend $100 on a shirt?" To which he replied "why yes, I am." The man went out in style.
To wrap up - I'm going to need a tissue - at the family viewing last week, Aunt Barbara shared that, while visiting near the end of his life, from the bed Uncle Jim raised his hand and waved, like a child, over her shoulder. She turned, and only saw a box of medical supplies. She asked him "who are you waving at?" ... At whom, I'll let -you- decide.
Goodbye Uncle Jim, and thank you all for being here.
Steven Banasiewicz, Jim's nephew
R
Roland Dupre uploaded photo(s)
Friday, February 23, 2024
/public-file/604/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
Barbara, we are deeply sorry for your loss. We have lost a true and wonderful friend. Jim will always be in our hearts and prayers.
We will always cherish the memories we made on Highland Lake , Cayman Islands and Uncle Jimmy’s Wild Ride in Florida!
All our love,
Roland, Jackie, Britt and George
Roland Jr., Chloe and Samantha
A
Anonymous planted a tree in memory of James Banasiewicz
Monday, February 19, 2024
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-store/memorial-tree.jpg
Please wait
R
Robert Remillard posted a condolence
Sunday, February 18, 2024
My wife and I were Jimmy and Barbara’s next door neighbors for ten years. Jimmy was the best. Always outside working in his yard or tiding up his already immaculate garage. We were all about the same age and shared a lot of remember when New Britain stories. Every clunker car I had, Jimmy somehow straightened it out. Just a good man, a good friend. When we moved I always looked forward to seeing him at the Berlin Fair, where we would sit a spell and catch up. I knew about his fight with cancer, and as you would expect, Jimmy met it with his inner strength and stoicism. I shall truly miss him, and while I know Barbara is grieving, I know she knows how lucky to be able to spend 38 years with such a good man. Bob Remillard
J
Joanne Stelma uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, February 17, 2024
/public-file/594/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
/public-file/595/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
/public-file/596/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
/public-file/597/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
+ 2
We are mourning the loss of an Amazing man and best friend. The most genuine, honest human being there could be. You fought the battle Jimmy and now… rest in God’s loving arms. Love always, Walt and Joanne
R
Roland Dupre uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, February 15, 2024
/public-file/591/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
/public-file/592/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
/public-file/593/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
A Memorial Tree was planted for James Banasiewicz
Thursday, February 15, 2024
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-store/memorial-tree.jpg
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Farrell Funeral Home Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
Please wait
I
The family of James W. Banasiewicz uploaded a photo
Thursday, February 15, 2024
/tribute-images/cropped/91/James-Banasiewicz.jpg
Please wait
F
Funeral Home Owner uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, February 15, 2024
/public-file/684/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
Proudly Serving the Communities of New Britain, and surrounding areas.
Contact
110 Franklin Square
New Britain, CT 06051
**This will NOT leave a condolence on a memorial tribute page**
Explore
Email*:
Name*:
Message*:
Please enter the numbers and letters you see in the image. Note that the case of the letters entered matters.*:
There are some invalid fields.
Please wait...
Message has been successfully sent.
Looking for something you can't find? We make it easy to get the answers you need. Please feel free to contact us at anytime
**This will NOT leave a condolence on a memorial tribute page**