Born May 26, 1949
Brattleboro, Vermont
Died Dec. 23, 2023
Details of services
A Mass of Christian Burial, interment with military honors, will take place later in the springtime.
William Henry “Willie” Gembarowski, 74, a lifelong resident of Brattleboro, died peacefully at his home, Saturday morning, December 23, 2023, with his family at his side after living with cancer for several years.
Willie was born on May 26, 1949, the oldest son of Zowie and Lorraine (Pichette) Gembarowski. He was a St. Michael’s High School graduate in the class of 1967 and continued his education at New England College of Accounting and Commerce in Manchester, NH, until he joined the Armed Forces in 1969. He married Mary “Midge” Haus in 1970 before leaving to proudly serve his country in the United States Army, stationed at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii for 3 years, during the Vietnam War.
Following his honorable discharge from active service, he returned home to Brattleboro with Mary to settle down and start a family. They purchased a home in 1975, where they would raise their family. Willie went to work at the Book Press as a printer, employed by the company for a dedicated twenty-five years, after which he started to pursue an interest in woodworking. In 1996, he purchased another lovely home that he worked on renovating, and that had space for a large wood shop in the garage. Willie loved making things and keeping his workshop and home in perfect order. He later worked for SEVCA, for Jancewicz & Son, and well past retirement age, he took a job at Hilltop Montessori School that involved planning and building shelving and storage space and being around a lively crowd of children, which he always enjoyed.
Of his pastimes and interests, Willie enjoyed caring for the yards and gardens around his homes, cooking for others, woodworking and helping others. He will be remembered for his spirit of friendship and generosity. A devoted family man, he cherished time spent with his family, especially his seven grandchildren. Although his illness kept him from doing some things, he continued to spend time with family and friends and orchestrated how to gather the people he loved to spend time together and eat good food.
Willie is survived by his ex-wife and best friend of 60 years, Mary Gembarowski of Brattleboro, three daughters; Jessica Justin (Stephen) of Grosse Point Park, MI, Katrina Gembarowski of Brattleboro, and Alexa Gembarowski of Brattleboro, seven beloved grandchildren; Amelia Noël, Simon Henry, Eliza Jane, Louisa Claire, Malina Marie, Alice Elizabeth, and Katherine Margaret, five siblings; Caroline Hammarlund (Erik) of Brattleboro, Daniel Gembarowski (Diane) of Texas, Joseph Gembarowski (Renee) of Brattleboro, Noël Swtzen (Jean-Marc) of France, Rebecca Gembarowski (Tim) of Brattleboro, and his long-time friend and partner, Anne Senni. Additionally, he is survived by one uncle, Albert Pichette of Florida, an aunt, Annette Seaman of New York, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Willie is predeceased by both of his parents and one brother, Zachary Gembarowski.
Willie was a communicant of Saint Michael’s Roman Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made to Bayada Hospice, 1222 Putney Road, Brattleboro, VT 05301.
To share a memory or offer condolences to the family, please visit www.atamaniuk.com.
