Dennis L. Szpyrka

In Memorial

1949 – 2012

Woodstock Valley – Dennis L. Szpyrka, 63, of Rte. 198, also known as “Uncle Den” and “Sparkey”, died Thursday, February 9, 2012 in Day Kimball Hospital. He was the loving husband of Linda (Froehlich) Szpyrka. Born in Putnam, he was the son of the late Walter and Rita (Michon) Szpyrka.

Mr. Szpyrka was a United States Marine, P.O.W who served his country during Vietnam war. He went on to work as a judicial marshal for the Windham Judicial District. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing cards.

In addition to his wife, Dennis is survived by his brothers, Bruce Szpyrka of Palm Bay, FL, Cyril Szpyrka of Thompson, and Carl Szpyrka of Woodstock; and his sister, Jean Auger of Thompson. He was predeceased by his brothers, the late Ernest Szpyrka, and Keith Szpyrka.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Dennis’s family at 10:00 am on Thursday, February 16, 2012 for a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Joseph Church, 20 Main St., N. Grosvenordale. Burial will follow in Barlow Cemetery. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Saint Joseph Church, 20 Main St, North Grosvenordale, or the Bungay Fire Dept., 1256 Rt 171, Woodstock, CT 06281.

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Offer Condolence for the family of Dennis L. Szpyrka

Posted by Wendy on February 13, 2012     14 Comments

Messages of Condolence

  1. Dan Mahon on February 13th, 2012 1:45 pm

    Linda, Cy, and Family -
    So sorry for your loss. Our whole family’s hearts are with you in this tough time. Dennis was a great friend and a huge help to our family whenever assistance was needed. We will miss him greatly. Don’t be afraid to ask if there is anything I can do in the future.
    DAN MAHON

  2. Mike & Anita Santerre on February 14th, 2012 7:45 am

    Aunt Jean and Uncle Al,

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult period.

    Mike & Anita Santerre

  3. Russ Mineau on February 14th, 2012 9:01 am

    Rose and I send our most sincere condolances. Dennis and I have known each other for many years and I am so sorry to hear this news. A tragec thing and such an unwelcome surprise. Best regards to you Linda you are in our thoughts.

  4. Sally on February 14th, 2012 9:23 am

    Auntie Linda & Cy,
    We are so greatful for what “Uncle Den” gave to us… his friendship, guidance and love were his greatest assets & we are thankful he chose us to receive them.
    He will be missed deeply.

  5. karen seraphin on February 14th, 2012 11:47 am

    i will miss den~he always had a smile. we ran into eachother last summer and had a great conversation. so glad for that since it had been 8 years since i last saw him. so sorry to all his family and especially to linda. he was much loved by many folks and always generous to all.

  6. Blenda Salvas on February 14th, 2012 11:54 am

    Linda,

    My sincere sympathy to you and your family at this difficult time. Dennis was such a great man and he will be missed by so many.

    Sorry I will not be able to attend the service due to office coverage on Thursday, but please know my thoughts and prayers will be with you.

    Blenda

  7. Jane Durga on February 14th, 2012 2:16 pm

    Dennis was such a gentleman and pleasure to work with and get to know. I will miss him. So glad he got to enjoy his toy car MG. I only wish he could enjoyed it longer. He was a one of a kind and my life is richer having known him. My deepest condolences to his family for your loss.

  8. laurie edwards on February 14th, 2012 2:34 pm

    Linda: Words can not express how I feel. So sorry for your loss.. Dennis was a great guy and he will always be with you. Love to you and the family. Laurie

  9. Jean Plaza on February 15th, 2012 2:56 pm

    Dear Linda & family,
    My thoughts and prayers go out to you. It was so sudden and
    unexpected, but always keep good memories of Dennis.
    Love, Jean

  10. Debbie Bonneville on February 16th, 2012 8:12 am

    Linda,
    So sorry for your loss. Dennis was always one of my favorite Marshals. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

    Debbie

  11. Frances Cloutier on February 17th, 2012 12:20 pm

    Many prayers go out to you, my dear friend.

    Remember all the good times. This will get you through, and remember to let yourself feel. You can’t heal if you don’t feel.

    Dennis was always there when I needed him. Even though we didn’t see each other often, I will remember all the fun me and Ray and the girls had with the both of you.

    Love, (You’re Best Friend)
    Fran (AKA Flicka)

  12. Frances Cloutier on February 17th, 2012 12:24 pm

    ■February 17th, 2012 12:20 pm
    Many prayers go out to you, my dear friend.
    Remember all the good times. This will get you through.
    Even though I didn’t see Dennis often lately, I will remember all the fun me and Ray and the girls had with the both of you.
    Love, (You’re Best Friend)
    Fran (AKA Flicka)

  13. Anne-Marie Gendreau on February 17th, 2012 7:12 pm

    To Dennis’ Family: My condolences go out to all of you. I haven’t seen Dennis in years, but, have fond memories of him from our school years at St. Joseph in North Grosvenordale. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.

  14. Monica Boudreau on February 18th, 2012 11:23 pm

    Linda,, Cy and family & friends: For Dennis not to be a phone call away seems unthinkable. For 43 years I have known this kind and giving man. I feel your loss and hope that if you need your burden lifted for a while to just talk about Dennis and share some of your grief, I am here to listen. It’s funny. At this time of year, Dennis and I were the same age and would kid eachother about who was older. It only lasted from January 30 to when I turned the next year old on August 3. it was a little thing, but one I will never forget every year at the time after his birthday when i was not longer older than him. He finally got the last laugh on that one. I will always be older than him now. Good one, Dennis. I’ll miss you. Love Monica

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