Obituary of Zbigniew Surowaniec

Zbigniew Surowaniec, age 71, of Webster passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. Zbigniew was born December 3, 1952, in Jastkowice, Poland. He was the son of the late Jan and late Maria (Kowalska) Surowaniec. Zbigniew, or "Ziggy" as he was lovingly known, led a life which touched so many. His journey was that of an immigrant whose perseverance and hard work led him to the American dream. Zbigniew completed high school and trade school in Poland before serving in the Polish Army as a cook. He immigrated to the United States in 1985 and set roots in Queens, NY. His wife and three children joined him soon after. Zbigniew was a baker by trade who found much joy in seeing others enjoy his creations. His baking would be a lifelong passion. In 1994, Zbigniew and his wife co-founded European Bakery & Pastry in Worcester, MA. Through the years, Zbigniew's famous bread and baked goods were enjoyed by many in New England and beyond. Zbigniew retired in 2021 but would always lend a helping hand at the bakery. Zbigniew was an avid butcher who could often be found preparing and smoking meats at his home. He also enjoyed sitting on his swinging bench in the backyard underneath his grapevines listening to his favorite music. What he loved the most was being surrounded by family, especially his grandchildren. He was a loving Dziadziu (Grandpa) to Symantha, Olivia, Paul Matthew, Luke, Sophia, Henry, Josephine, Kaylee, Anthony and Julia. He would always lighten the mood with his quick wit, funny stories, and accordion/harmonica skills. With his loving wife by his side and his faith to guide him, Zbigniew instilled in his children humility, a strong work ethic and devotion to family. Zbigniew always saw the good in people and helped whenever he could. He will always be remembered for his kindness and generosity. Zbigniew is survived by his wife, Stanislawa Surowaniec, with whom he spent over 50 years with; daughter, Anna Ceppetelli and her husband Paul of Dudley, MA; and sons, Peter Surowaniec and his wife Kristy of Thompson, CT; and Pawel Surowaniec and his fiancée Meghan Cotton of Shrewsbury, MA; three sisters, Stella Ludyjan of California; Ewa Stefaniuk of Poland; and Helen Siudak and her husband Stanley of Florida; one brother, Teddy Czyz and his wife Elizabeth of Stratham, NH, and many nieces & nephews both here in the U.S. and Poland. Zbigniew is predeceased by his sister, Anna Bonisniak, and brother, Czeslaw Surowaniec. Calling hours will be held Friday, May 10 from 5 to 8PM, and Saturday, May 11 from Noon to 2PM with a sermon and talk at 1 PM at Bartel Funeral Home, 33 Schofield Avenue, Dudley, MA.