Obituary of Edward J. Hamernick

Edward J. Hamernick of Norwalk, 87, a long-time resident of Darien, died peacefully at home on Friday, Aug. 25, 2017, after a long illness brought on by heart failure. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his death. He was born in 1930 in Stamford, the son of Peter and Katherine (Teplica) Hamernick. Edward was a veteran of the Korean Conflict, having served with the U.S. Marines, and a retired letter carrier with the U.S. Postal Service. He was a hardworking man, working odd jobs as a carpenter and newspaper delivery contractor in addition to his job at the post office. He was proud of his service to his country and will be buried with full military honors. Edward was preceded in death in 2013 by his loving wife, Dorothy (Tirpak) Hamernick, and is survived by four children: Donald E. Hamernick and his wife Mary of Cape Canaveral, FL; Richard J. Hamernick and his wife Joy of Darien; Donna Gabordi and her husband Bob of Melbourne, FL; and Marianne Cooper of Norwalk; and 16 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. He was predeceased by two brothers and a sister. He was known as a nice man with an amazing sense of humor who had a simple, straight-forward approach to life. In his waning days, he even made light of his impending death, saying "no one has beat the rap yet." He used his gift of humor to lighten the sadness of others during his long battle at the end of his life. His family often retells his jokes in tribute to him. Edward and Dorothy worked their entire lives, saving every penny possible, to finally build their dream home on West Norwalk Avenue in 1975. Their family and home were the centerpiece of their lives. He was a graduate of Stamford High School. The family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1 at the Edward Lawrence Funeral home, 2119 Post Road, Darien. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 2, at St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church, 374 Middlesex Road, Darien. Burial will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery, Darien. In lieu of followers, memorial donations may be send to VITAS, 99 Hawley Lane, Suite 1204, Stratford, CT 06614. Funeral Home: Edward Lawrence Funeral Home 2119 Post Road Darien, CT USA 06820