Walter Stephen Zaborowski

Walter Stephen Zaborowski, affectionately known as “Sonny” or “Gator,” age 90, of Bridgeport, passed after a brief illness on Wednesday, April 14, 2021.

Born to Stephen and Mary (Kozark) Zaborowski on November 27, 1930 in their Fairfield family home, Sonny was a lifelong area resident. He attended Bullard-Havens Technical School in Bridgeport for machining before enlisting in the United States National Guard at the age of 17. Gator would go on to enlist in the U.S. Army to serve in the Korean War. He worked for Sikorsky as a machinist before starting his own business, Suburban Asphalt & Paving, later Fairfield Asphalt, with his brother-in-law, Dave Keiser. After 30 years in business, Sonny retired, but not for very long. Retired life proved to be too slow-paced for Gator and he started working at Big & Little Sanitation as a machine operator, a position he would keep until two weeks before his passing.

Gator truly wore his heart on his sleeve; a generous man never failing to extend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. He never showed up empty handed, at least bringing a small offering every time he would visit a friend. He adored his family and loved being able to live so close to his daughter and granddaughters. A classic depiction of a hard worker, Sonny’s hands were never idle. He could always be found out in the yard working, or repairing anything from speakers to tractors. If he wasn’t working or with his family, you could find Gator out somewhere playing pool. For some time he took up ceramics classes and played in a bowling league at Circle Lanes. Truly young at heart, his attitude and music taste reflected much younger generations; his favorite song being “Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin. Without a doubt, Gator lived his long life to the fullest.

Sonny is survived by his adored daughters, Maria Zaborowski and Lora Zaborowski-Weeks; three cherished grandchildren, Ruth Ann Weeks, Chloe Burany, and Amber Burany; his loving sister, Eleanor Ott; as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his wife, Edith A. (Keiser) Zaborowski; and his two sisters, Helen Zaborowski and Nellie Nosal.

Friends and family are invited to attend a graveside service on Friday, April 23, 2021 at 11am at St. Michael’s Cemetery, 2205 Stratford Avenue, Stratford. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to Gator’s family in care of the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield, CT 06824.

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