Jerome J. Kijek

October 16, 1944 - July 3, 2018

Jerome “Jerry” J. Kijek, a lifetime resident of Stamford, passed away suddenly at Stamford Hospital on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was born on October 16, 1944 to the late John Kijek and Regina (Bobinski) Kijek. Jerry attended Holy Name of Jesus Elementary School and graduated from Wright Technical School in 1962. He served his country honorably in the Navy during the Vietnam War. He was the proud owner of Kijek Electric, A1 Snowplowing and Constitution Sparklers Sales, LLC. He was a respected master electrician who worked for a few electrical firms including Weingold Electric, Burns Electric, and Acme Electric before starting his own electrical company. He was an excellent problem solver who was called upon by many contractors in the field to solve their electrical problems. He had an amazing knowledge of not only electrical but also all phases of construction. Jerry was passionate about teaching and mentoring many of the up and coming electricians and family members because he felt it was important to pass on his trade. When fireworks first became legal in Connecticut, Jerry was the first licensed pyrotechnician and established fireworks stands in Stamford. His true lifetime passion was entertaining his family and friends, often ending the evening lighting up the sky with a colorful fireworks display to the pleasure of all in attendance. He also loved his classic muscle cars and listening to “doo-wop” music. He was a member of the Train Collector’s Association for many years and loved fixing and repairing Lionel Trains for himself and his friends. His other favorite pastime was boating on Woodridge Lake in Goshen, CT with his family and friends, that he loved to entertain. He touched many lives with his wit and humor and will be remembered fondly by his family and many friends. Surviving are his beloved wife Esther Cerbone Kijek of Stamford, CT; his two daughters Gina Lynn Kijek of Yonkers, NY and Melanie Roofe and her husband, Patrick of Haverhill, MA; two stepsons, Frank Grillo and his wife, Theresa of New Haven, CT and Anthony Grillo and his girlfriend Megan Robustelli of Stamford, CT; two brothers, Martin (Marty) Kijek and Thomas (Tom) Kijek and his wife Myra of Stamford, CT; two nephews, Mario Cerbone, his wife Kimberly and their children, AJ, Andon, and Adriana Cerbone and Ross Cerbone; his aunts, Josephine Bobinski of Niantic, CT and Genia Bobinski of Torrington, CT; and by many loving cousins, family and friends throughout the country; as well as by his beloved German Shepherd, Duke. Family will receive relatives and friends at Bosak Funeral Home, 453 Shippan Ave in Stamford, on Sunday, July 8th from 4pm to 8pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, July 9th at 11am the Holy Name of Jesus Parish, 325 Washington Blvd, in Stamford. His interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation in his memory to: American Diabetes Association, http://diabetes.org/ . If you would like to leave a condolence message online please visit the family guestbook at www.bosakfuneralhome.com or at www.facebook.com/bosakfuneralhome to share memories with his family.