Longboat Key Obituaries: July 27, 2017

Joseph Gregorzek

Joseph Gregorzek, 80, of Perico Island, died June 22.

He was born in Nanticoke, Pa., on July 25, 1936, to the late Peter and Mary Gregorzek.

Mr. Gregorzek was a former resident of Connecticut, Vermont and New Jersey, and moved to Florida in 1999.

While living in New Britain, Conn., he was a state representative in the General Assembly for three terms, serving as a member of the Banking, Finance, State and Urban Development and the Transportation committees and was chairman of the Aeronautics Committee.

He was the past president of the New Britain Press Club while employed as a manager at the New Britain Herald and was also president of the New Britain Ski Club and Independent Slow Pitch League, secretary of the New Britain Young Democratic Club, former member of the New Britain Democratic Town Committee and the Charter Revision Committee.

Mr. Gregorzek was the chairman of the New Britain Fire Board and member of the New Britain Board of Police Commissioners.

He was a Connecticut and Vermont real estate broker and licensed stock broker in Connecticut and New York.

In 1983, he left Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith in Hartford, Conn.,  and moved to Brownsville, Vt., to help develop a local ski area and served as executive vice president and general manager at Ascutney Mountain Resort.

During filming of “Funny Farm,” the resort was the host hotel for the cast and crew, which was a highlight of Mr. Gregorzek’s tenure there.

Mr. Gregorzek was the founder and chairman of the Connecticut River Valley Tourism Council, served on the boards of the Vermont Lodging and Restaurant Association, Mount Ascutney Hospital, Windsor Chamber of Commerce and member of the National Ski Areas Association.

In 1986, former Vermont Gov. Madeline Kunin appointed Mr. Gregorzek to her advisory council. He joined PaineWebber/UBS NYC in 1991 as the national marketing manager for Correspondent Services Corp. He retired in 2003. He attended CSSC and served in the U.S. Army. He was a long-time parishioner of Holy Cross Church in New Britain, Conn.

Whether playing gin rummy with his best friend, Joe Grano, cheering for the Boston Red Sox, New York Giants or UConn Huskies, fishing in Martha’s Vineyard, watching the sunset on Anna Maria Island or globe-trotting with his wife, Gayle, Mr. Gregorzek lived an adventurous life.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Gayle; best friend of 45 years Joseph Grano; siblings Theodosia and Henry; and numerous nephews.

Donations can be made to an organization of choice or Holy Cross Church, 31 Biruta St., New Britain, CT 06053.

Phyllis Klapman

Phyllis Klapman, 89, of Longboat Key, died July 20.

She was born on April 7, 1928, in Chicago.

Mrs. Klapman had a career as a speech pathologist and was a volunteer at Mote Marine Laboratory. Her greatest joy was her family and their Sunday dinners.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Lil Lebovitz, and her beloved husband, Aaron.

She is survived by her daughters, Kim Sheintal and Liz Klaber; their spouses; two grandchildren Mara Daniel and Liana Bryant; their spouses; five great grandchildren; and numerous extended family members.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, FL 34232.

Elio Martina

Elio Martina, 94, of LaGrange, Ill., died July 17.

He was originally from Cleveland.

Mr. Martina was a U.S. Army World War II veteran. He loved to travel and spent many winters on Longboat Key. He was an architect for many years at the University of Chicago.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine Martina; and brother Arthur Martina.

He is survived by his children; Heidi Rogers, James Martina and Michelle Hullihan; their spouses; and five grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Carmelite Monastery, 949 River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016.