ROMAN PIECZONKA

November 1, 1933 – July 25, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Roman Pieczonka, aged 91, who died peacefully on Friday, July 25, 2025, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. A beloved father, grandfather, and cherished friend, Roman lived a life marked by resilience, love and an unwavering commitment to family and community.

Born in Stalowa Wola, Poland, on November 1, 1933, Roman faced unimaginable hardship from a young age. Surviving the devastation of war and the profound loss of his parents, he embarked on a journey that would take him across the globe. His travels led him to Canada, where he found not only a new home but also his soulmate, Helen. Together, they built a life rich in love, respect and shared purpose. Their 67-year partnership was a testament to devotion and mutual admiration.

Roman was a skilled and dedicated machinist, a trade he took great pride in throughout his career.  He worked at Manitoba Bridge, which later became Dominion Bridge in Winnipeg for 47 years. His precision, strong work ethic and quiet leadership earned the respect of his colleagues. His commitment to excellence and craftsmanship reflected the values he upheld in all aspects of his life.

As a proud immigrant to Canada, Roman became an integral part of the Winnipeg community. He raised three children with deep care, teaching them the values of hard work, integrity and kindness. His five grandchildren were the joy of his later years. He delighted in watching them grow, always eager to share stories from his past and pass on the rich traditions of his Polish heritage.

Roman remained a passionate promoter of Polish culture in Winnipeg throughout his life. He volunteered actively in numerous organizations, working tirelessly to ensure the stories and traditions of his homeland were celebrated and preserved. Whether through coordinating the former Warsaw-Poland Pavilion, serving on the board and as president of the Polish Combatants’ Association – SPK Koło 13, or simply offering a warm smile and helping hand, his dedication to the community was unwavering.

In 2019, he was awarded the Siberian Exiles Cross (Krzyż Zesłańców Sybiru), a state decoration presented by the President of Poland. This honour recognizes the suffering of Polish citizens deported to Siberia, Kazakhstan, and Northern Russia between 1939 and 1956.

In his passing, Roman leaves behind a legacy of strength, kindness and love. His memory will live on in the hearts of his children, grandchildren, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was a man of great courage and immense character, whose life story serves as an inspiration.

Roman is survived by his wife Helen; his children Giselle (Dan), Tom (Andrea) and Edward (Jennifer) and his grandchildren Sebastian, Alexandra, Nathanael, Elliot and Emma. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Caroline Bremault and Olga Novak, as well as many dear friends and relatives around the world. Roman was predeceased by his parents Franczisek and Stefania; brother Zygmunt; sister Maria and brothers-in-law John Novak, Stan Novak, and Aurèle Bremault.

A celebration of Roman’s remarkable life will be held on Tuesday, August 5, at St. Andrew Bobola RC Church. The Rosary will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. and a burial at Holy Ghost Cemetery.  A reception will follow at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street.

Pallbearers: Kazik Zurek, Stan Novak Jr., Doug Novak, Patrick Morrow, Jerry Pilozow and Jason Novak. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Roman’s memory to a charity of one’s choice.

May he rest in peace, forever in the embrace of the love he so freely gave.

Wieczny odpoczynek racz mu dać, Panie, a światłość wiekuista niechaj mu świeci. Niech odpoczywa w pokoju wiecznym.  Amen.