Obituary of Edward F. Nemchek, Sr

Edward F. Nemchek, Sr. 90, passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, July 10, 2021. Eddie was born March 20, 1931 in Stamford, CT to Bridget and Joseph Nemchek. He grew up the youngest of 9 siblings in the Cove and is a lifelong Stamford resident.

He graduated from Stamford High School in 1949 then served his country in the US Air Force from 1949 to 1953 and is a veteran of the Korean War. He joined the Stamford Fire Department in 1957 where he spent his 31-year career serving his community as a firefighter. He also held numerous other occupations over the years to support his family.

In 1956, Ed married the love of his life, the former Reonilda (Renee) Abbazia and they enjoyed a wonderful and loving 42-year marriage. The marriage produced 6 children, 10 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren, all of whom he considered to be his greatest legacy.

A religious man, Ed always put his faith and family first. He was a longtime, active parishioner of St. Bridget of Ireland Parish and later the Basilica of St. John the Evangelist Parish. One of his favorite activities each year was the annual Nemchek Family Reunion (AKA “Nemstock”) where he and his brothers were known to lead the large gathering in song by playing and singing many oldies on the ukulele.

Later in life, Ed became an avid US and world traveler visiting all 50 US states as well as Italy, Israel, India, and his ancestral home of Slovakia to name a few. He was a voracious reader with a huge appetite for American and world history. A big baseball fan, he visited many of the major league stadiums including the home of his beloved Pittsburgh Pirates.

Eddie is survived by his 6 children, Edward, Jr, Peter (Margaret), Renee Byrne (Kevin), Christopher (Sally), Joseph and Patricia Mullins (Patrick), his grandchildren, Sara, Daniel, Kevin, Connor, Patrick, Shannon, Lucille, Judith and Reene and his great grandchildren, Ozzy, Millie and Nora. He is also survived by his countless nieces and nephews and large and loving extended Nemchek Clan.

He is predeceased by his wife Renee, his parents, Bridget and Joseph, his 8 siblings, his daughter-in-law, Lisa and his granddaughter, Kelly Byrne.

Viewing hours will take place from 4:00-8:00 pm on Friday, July 16 at Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home, 104 Myrtle Ave. in Stamford (203)-359-9999. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, July 17 at The Basilica of St. John the Evangelist at 279 Atlantic St in Stamford with interment to follow at St. John’s Cemetery in Springdale.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org

Arrangements are under the direction of Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home.  To send condolences to the family, please visit www.gallagherfuneralhome.com