In Memoriam

In sad and loving memory of these great superstars who departed this life but left us with loving memories.

Stanley A. Ozimek

Radio DJ and announcer for WRYM radio broadcasting a live radio program from the Polish National Home in Hartford, CT. every Sunday and a radio show on the air 7 days a week.

Stanley E. Saleski

From Meriden, Ct., from 1947 to 1969, hosted the Silver City Polka Party Show on WMMW radio 7 days a week.  He was editor and publisher of Polka News which he started in 1968. In 1980, Stan was inducted into the Polka Music Hall of Fame. He died in 1993.

Joe Bondrowski

Of Meriden, Ct., was an announcer and DJ. He was known to all his fans as Big Joe. He had his own Polka show and worked for many years for Dick Piller at the Polka Fest in New London, Ct. He was a graduate of the Connecticut School of Broadcasting in Hartford.

Vic Meyers

Of the ever popular Vic Meyers Orchestra of Meriden, Ct. He played in the Meriden area for many years. He played several times a year at the band shell at Hubbard Park in Meriden Ct. He had his own recording studio in Meriden, Ct., and his two most popular record albums were Polkas from the Heart and Polkas from Yesteryear. His hit recording was Under the Warsaw Bridge, which was on his Yesteryear album.

Walter E. Michalak

From Southington, CT. Walt was a Big fan of Polka Music for many years. He went to the Bristol Polish Club in Bristol, CT. almost every Sunday for over 30 years. He also enjoyed Pulaski Park in Three Rivers, Mass. and Dick Pillars Polkabration. Walt was a Fan of Happy Louie and Julie and had all of their recordings in his music collection. Walter died on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2005 at age 64.

Walt Solek

The Polka King from Meriden, CT. was the husband of Wanda Michanczyk Solek. Born in Meriden Sept. 28, 1910, son of Henry and Julia Solek. He was a Popular Polka Musician for 75 years. He did a Sunday afternoon Polka Show on WMMW 1470 AM Radio for 28 years. He wrote the Julida Polka, Just Count Your Blessings, They're Always In The Way, Green Parrot Polka, Pierogi Polka, Who Stole The Kishka, as well as many other Great Polka Tunes. He was an inducted member of the City of Meriden Hall of Fame and the Polka Music Hall of Fame in Chicago. Walter died on Friday, April 1, 2005.

And when your life on Earth is done, shed not a tear, for then your true life has only just begun. For it is in dying that we are born to eternal life, may they always rest in peace, Amen.