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| Dan Waleski / Photo contributed by MarkAnthony Izzo |
DERBY >> One of the city’s most dedicated citizens, Dan Waleski, a constant presence at city meetings and events, a World War II veteran and “remarkable guy,” died Wednesday.
Waleski was 89.
News of Waleski’s death spread quickly, with various city officials and residents fondly recalling the man who loved his country, the city of Derby and participating in local government. There was rarely a meeting that Waleski missed, and he always introduced himself as “concerned citizen” when he spoke about city issues.
Waleski was named Derby’s “Citizen of the Year” by former Mayor Anthony Staffieri in 2011. Staffieri also proclaimed July 1, 2011, the day of the annual fireworks display, “Dan Waleski Day.”
“Let the beauty of each firework blast pay tribute to this incredibly fine man and spectacular citizen,” Staffieri had said.
Staffieri also had said Waleski’s “unequaled dedication and participation in the representative form of government,” made him most deserving of the first-ever citizen’s award.
Waleski had said he began attending municipal meetings with his father, who was active in local politics, when he was 12 years old. He felt it was important to be “civic-minded.”
Waleski, a World War II Navy veteran, also was active with the Catholic War Veterans, the American Legion and various veterans’ groups. He often played the bugle in local parades and other ceremonies.
Many people took to Facebook to express their thoughts. Alderman Ron Sill said Waleski will be sorely missed.
“He was everywhere, he was so sincere and he really cared about Derby and its rich history and especially all its people,” Sill said. “I salute him and thank him for all he did to make Derby a better place.”
City Hall employee Patty Finn said, “I have worked for the City of Derby for the past 18 years. Mr. Waleski was my go-to guy for anything about Derby. So totally involved in this great city that he loved. My family always looked forward to him proudly marching in his Naval finest every year. May you rest in peace — a true gentleman. I will miss you.”
City Treasurer Keith McLiverty said Waleski was one of a kind.
“Dan was a man who valued democracy more than anyone I have ever known,” he said. “A veteran who cherished the rights he fought for in the Navy. He would walk miles, in rain, winter, summer, day or night to exercise his rights as a citizen of Derby by attending meetings on a regular basis He was a concerned citizen who loved Derby, its history and it future. Rest in peace, Mr. Waleski, your likes will never been seen or heard again.”
Resident Carolyn Duhaime agreed, saying, “Dan was a distinctive individual who actively sought to protect the interests of the residents of Derby, and he accomplished this with distinction. His intellect was absolutely amazing and matched by his objective determination and devotion to the residents of the City of Derby. He knew no barriers, only bridges. Rest in peace, and any meetings held in Heaven will certainly be attended by Dan.”
Details of Waleski’s funeral arrangements were not immediately available.
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