Obituary of Joseph A. Bryk

Joseph Anthony Bryk, of Stratford, age 57, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, July 15, 2018 with his loving family by his side, after a courageous 20-month battle with cholangiocarcinoma. Born in Bridgeport Hospital on January 18, 1961, to Matthew and Emilia (Socha) Bryk, Joe was raised in Newtown. He attended St. Rose of Lima School and graduated from Newtown High School before beginning his life-long, 30 years plus career as a Plumber/Pipefitter with what is now Local #777, from which he retired in June 2017. During his career, Joe worked all over the state at various construction sites, both old and new, and his Medical Gas license allowed him to do renovation work at Yale New Haven Hospital and Stamford Hospital in recent years. Despite hot summer days and frigid winter mornings, Joe enjoyed the camaraderie of his colleagues and the sense of accomplishment when a job was completed. He made many friends, and the infamous "Joe Bryk" reputation was not only known in his Local, but other trades as well.

His childhood in Newtown, being raised in his parents' tavern, Matty's Place, established Joe's tenets of life which included an appreciation for good food, having the ability to cook, the need to be social, and it's always important to have a good time. Joe prided himself on being a good friend, always there when you needed a hand or a pal to have a beer with. Joe was involved in many activities but his pride was in his pig roasting extravaganzas, that not only featured the pig itself but chickens and roast beef, too. Joe was very involved in the Sons of the American Legion (S.A.L.), Post 177 originally out of Bridgeport, having served as adjutant for many years. His S.A.L. festivities on Whiskey Hill, including the annual Easter Flower sales or Night at the Races, always were big jobs, but had greater rewards for Joe. If you saw Joe coming, have your wallet ready for the raffle tickets or Poppies for Veterans sales. Joe was involved in several other endeavors and enjoyed "making the rounds". He was an avid Giants and Yankees fan, with whole days dedicated to Sunday football, and loved the Triple Crown season. He also enjoyed camping and fishing, playing his guitar and horseshoes, and gardening, but nothing compared to spending time with his sons, teaching the ins and outs of life.

Joe is survived by his wife, his rock of 17 years, Salvatora Minaudo Bryk, and two sons whom he adored, August and Garrett Bryk. He was the baby brother to Matthew Bryk (Maureen) of Newtown, Mitchell Bryk of Southbury, and Thaddeus Bryk (Vicki) of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Survivors also included his mother in law, Elizabeth Minaudo and sister in law Nicole Minaudo of Stratford, and brother in law Lt. Colonel Michael Minaudo (Tina) of Virginia. Joe leaves behind two nieces and two nephews, a litany of first cousins and an endless number of friends and acquaintances.

The family will receive friends from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., on Thursday, July 19, 2018 at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, July 20, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. meeting directly in Our Lady of Grace Church, 497 Second Hill Lane, Stratford. Entombment will follow in St. Michael's Cemetery, Stratford.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made toward Joe's sons' future education. Donations may be sent to Mutual Security Credit Union, Ryder's Landing, 6580 Main Street, Stratford, CT 06614 – Bryk Brothers Education Fund.