Kazimierz M Steczkowski

Kazimierz ("Kaz") Marian Steczkowski 10/29/1947 - 9/13/2025

It is with great sorrow and sadness that we announce the passing of Kazimierz Steczkowski. Kaz passed peacefully on September 13, 2025 after an 11-year-long battle with ALS (Lou Gherig's Disease). Credit goes to his wife, Liz, for giving him the absolute best care at home throughout his entire illness for more than a decade. He was never in a convalescent home, his hospital visits were short, and he survived COVID without being admitted to a medical facility.

He was born to Dr. Wanda Steczkowska in Kraków, Poland, shortly after WWII. A staunch supporter of the Solidarity Movement, he was a true Polish patriot at heart.

Notably, he made his living throughout Europe as a professional chess player and earned the rank of IM (International Master). He was a chess coach and fierce competitor. Additionally, he was an accomplished competitive Bridge player. He spoke many languages, including complete fluency in Swedish, Serbian, French, Polish, Russian, and English. He was capable of playing on dozens of chess boards simultaneously, sometimes even blindfolded.

He emigrated from Poland in 1987 to France. In 1989, he gained asylum for himself and his family in America. Upon entering the United States, he took up odd jobs like plumbing and car repair, after which he opened several restaurants with his wife throughout the years.

He was an absolute amazing intellect who could always find a way to accomplish everything from completing the most complicated construction projects to snatching victory from the jaws of defeat on the chess board. His sense of humor was unwavering even in the worst of times. He had a passion for good food, great company, and sharing engaging stories. Regardless of whether he was known to you as Kaz, Kazio, or Kazik, he is sorely missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He is survived by his wife Boguslawa (Liz) Steczkowska, his son Karol Steczkowski, his brothers Janusz and Witold Steczkowski, as well as his grandchildren Trystan and Trenton Steczkowski and their mother Barbara.

Services will be held at Sacred Heart Church in New Britain at 9:30am on Thursday, September 25, 2025 followed by burial at Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Sacred Heart Church

158 Broad Street

New Britain, CT 06053

Sacred Heart Cemetery

662 Burritt Street

New Britain, CT 06053

Special thanks to:

New Britain EMS for the most amazing compassionate care and emergency medical services anyone could ask for

The Hospital for Special Care for continually going above and beyond for over a decade

Dr. Eugene Ciccone for making countless house visits and doing the impossible time and time again

The Hospital of Central Connecticut for providing top-notch care with patience and true empathy

All the caretakers that worked tirelessly to provide 24/7 home care (Janina, Irena, Renata, and others)

Melanie Kaye and Andrei Mihai for being the most attentive Respiratory Therapists

Monika Puszkarewicz RN for providing the greatest nursing care at home

The Ambulance Service of Manchester

And everyone that was kind and lent a helping hand to the family throughout his illness.