Obituary of Frank S. Gemza

Frank S. Gemza August 31, 1921 - May 08, 2010 Frank S. Gemza, 88, formerly of 8 Kendall Terrace, Danbury, husband of the late Sophie (Sacowitz) Gemza and Genia (Picone-Martino) Gemza, died peacefully at the Kent on Saturday, May 8th. He was born in Danbury on August 31, 1921, son of the late Ignatz and Anna (Gurka) Gemza. Frank was a Veteran of World War II, serving as a pilot with the United States Army Aircorps. He fought in the Central Burma and in the China Offensive. He was a recipient of the American Theater Ribbon, World War II Victory Medal, Air Medal, and the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with 2 Battle Stars. After returning from the service, Frank worked as shop foreman and mechanical engineer for Colin Campbell Electronics and Mosler Electronics. He was founder/owner of Design Aids in Danbury. In his spare time he was a flight instructor at Danbury Airport, member of the Miry Brook Volunteer Fire Dept, volunteered as a mentor for Junior Achievement, was an active member of the Catholic War Veterans Post in Danbury and was a lifetime member of Sacred Heart Church. He will be sadly missed by his loving family which includes a son, Roger and wife Kathy Gemza of Watertown, daughters Suzanne MacNaughton of Waterbury, and Sharon Gemza of New Milford. Grandchildren include Jennifer and husband Gordon Wong of Philadelphia, PA, Christina and husband Jason Snow of Tarryville, Melissa and husband Christopher Manley of Woodstock, Ga. Great-grand children include Jaden Lee and Mia Marie Manley, Sophia and Stephanie Snow and Calem Wong. Frank also leaves a brother Theodore Gemza and a sister Helen and husband Seth Sanford, all of Danbury. Frank's step-children include Joan and husband Anthony Rizzo, Ross and wife Rosemary Martino, all of Danbury as well as many nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces living in the Danbury area and Massachusetts. He was predeceased by his brother Joseph Gemza Sr, sister Dorothy Gemza-Sauer and nephew Joseph Gemza Jr. Funeral Information A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 12th at 10:00am at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Danbury. Burial will follow in St. Peter Cemetery with full military honors. The family will receive friends at the Cornell Memorial Home, 247 White Street, Danbury, on Tuesday evening between the hours of 6:00 and 8:00pm. Donations Information In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Sacred Heart of Jesus Church.