Lewis Stanley Tomaszewski

Lewis Stanley Tomaszewski, a longtime resident of Jamesport, died peacefully Jan. 21 at Holbrook Senior Living. He was 98.Lewis was born in Jamesport Oct. 10, 1920, to Stella (Plucinska) and Stanley Tomaszewski, first-generation Americans of Polish ancestry. He was the third of five children.

Lewis was predeceased by his brother, Edward (Louise) Tomaszewski, and his three sisters, Irene (Chester) Romanski, Tessie (Peter) Zubina and Frances (Conrad) Bagenski. He is survived by his wife of 74 years, Ursula “Bonnie” (née Bonavich); his son, Michael Tomaszewski of Jamesport; and his daughter, Bonnie (Donald) Kisiel of Shoreham. Also surviving him are three grandchildren, Lara (Michael) Asirvadem, Stephen (Kristina) Kisiel and Bryan Kisiel; three great-grandchildren, Lucas, Noah and Juliana Kisiel; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Lewis grew up in the farming community of Calverton and attended Calverton Elementary School. He graduated from Riverhead High School in 1939. At the outbreak of World War II, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and was stationed at Kirtland Field in Albuquerque, N.M., as an airplane mechanic and inspector. While in the army, Staff Sgt. Lewis Tomaszewski met and married Cpl. Ursula Bonavich of Tamaqua, Pa. After the war, he took his wife and daughter to Calverton to resume a life of farming. The family then moved to Jamesport in 1951, where Lewis continued to raise potatoes, cauliflower and strawberries. Neighbors in Jamesport still talk about bringing their families to pick strawberries or buy sweet corn. After he left farming, Lewis worked as head custodian at Riverhead Junior High School until his retirement in 1986.

Lewis was a devoted member of St. Isidore R.C. Church and Holy Name Society. He also belonged to the Riverhead Polish Independent Club and American Legion. In addition, he was a former member of the Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance Corps. However, the organization to which Lewis lent his unflagging dedication is the Jamesport Fire Department. As its oldest member, he had served in the positions of second lieutenant and commissioner. During many of those years, he earned the highest number of points for responding to alarms.

Lewis had a zest for life. Known for his outgoing manner and contagious smile, he was a man who enjoyed laughter, friendship and family. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held Friday, Jan. 25, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at McLaughlin-Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead. A funeral Mass will take place Saturday, Jan. 26, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Isidore R.C. Church in Riverhead followed by interment with military honors at St. John’s Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Jamesport Fire Department.

This is a paid notice.