In Memory Of Lech Peszewski

Lech Peszewski, photo Jerome Freedman

This post is in memory of Lech Peszewski, my dear friend of many years.

He died on Sunday from complications due to pneumonia resulting from fibrosis.

I did not know how badly he was suffering. The last time I saw him, he complained more about his shoulder than his breathing. He did, however, mention his problem breathing.

What I’ll miss the most about Lech are his wonderful stories.

He grew up in Warsaw just outside of what became the Warsaw Ghetto in World War II. He loved Poland and had planned to go there in August.

The stories he told of the Nazi takeover and the Communist rule could easily be made into a series of movies akin to the TV show, “Homeland.”

One story sticks in my mind and I will never forget it.

His parents were part of the Polish underground resistance movement. At the age of 12 or 13, he was asked to befriend a certain boy in his school. The boy was a son of an SS officer who the resistance was after. It was through Lech’s efforts that they were able to eliminate the officer. Lech had no knowledge of what the resistance was up to until much later in life.

Another story he told me was how he escaped the Communists.

In his late 20’s or early 30’s, he loved motorcycle racing. He got permission to enter a race in either West Germany or France, I don’t remember which. After the race, he kept on riding and wound up in New Jersey.

He worked as a soils engineer and helped us tremendously with the mudslide we had in 2002. He was still employed on a part time basis the last time I saw him. There wasn’t much business recently for the company he worked for.

Andrea, his widow, said, “We argued daily–because we cared and loved each other so much for over 42 years.  I missed that sweaty loving man last night when I went to bed and assuredly for many nights to come.”

I’ll miss his friendship and his stories very much.

In parting, I offer these loving kindness blessing to him and all who knew him.

May you be at peace.
May your heart remain open.
May you know the beauty and the radiance of your own true nature.
May you be healthy.
May you be free and happy, truly happy!

Lech is continued by his wife of 42 years, Andrea, and his son, Edward. May they be comforted by his memory and the loving support of family and friends.

Who do you want to remember?