Denis Jean Vidal, beloved husband of Jadwiga Barbara (Wroczynski) Vidal, passed away hours before his 77th birthday on Wednesday, November 23, 2022, following a hard-fought battle with cancer.
Born in Richmond, Quebec, Canada on November 24, 1945, he was one of seven children to the late Lionel and Simone Vidal. Raised and educated in Canada, he moved to the U.S. at the age of 19 when he began working in the aerospace and engineering profession. He retired from MTU Aero Engines after 46 years of hard work and dedication, during which time he proudly served his country in the US Army for two years, having been honorably discharged in 1970. It was love at first site when he met Barbara, with whom he would share 43 of the best years of his life. They settled in Plainville where they raised their two children, were longtime faithful communicants of Our Lady of Mercy Church, and Denis, if he wasn’t lending a hand or sharing a beer with a neighbor or friend, could be found most days tending to his home and garden. He had a love for travel, especially the beaches of Wildwood with his wife, cruising, frequent visits to Canada to spend time with family, and more recently visiting his wife’s homestead in Poland. He loved attending air shows, volunteering with hot-air ballooning for years, and reliving his hockey- playing youth by watching NHL games. Affectionately known as “Vasko”, “Misku” (bear) or, his favorite, “Pop Pop” by his adored grandchildren, he will be remembered fondly for his kindness to everyone, the mischievous stories of his youth, his charisma, hard work ethic, his faith and love for his family.
In addition to his wife, he leaves his son, Christopher Vidal, his wife Janet and their daughters, Halina and Carolina Vidal; his daughter, Ela Cole, her husband Shawn and their children, Tyler and Maxwell Lagasse and Kaitlin and Michael Cole; his sisters, Monique Fontaine and her husband Rejean, Lise Richard and her husband Andre, Johanne Vidal and her partner Yvon Normandin, Ginette Vidal and Claudette Vidal; his brother, Robert Vidal and his wife, Donna; and many cherished nieces and nephews including his Goddaughter, Tiffany Vidal and Godson John Valenta. He also leaves a much loved extended family including Alicia and Ted Skrzypek and Irena and Paul Valenta along with their children, and a wide circle of friends, all who will miss him dearly. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his grandson, Regan Vidal and his mother and father-in-law, Halina and John Wroczynski.
The family extends their sincerest gratitude to the nurses, doctors and staff at Bristol Hospital, along with their hospice team for their kindness and care.
Denis may be remembered with contributions to Our Lady of Mercy Church, 19 S. Canal St, Plainville, CT 06062.
Family and friends may gather on Monday, November 28, 2022 from 5-7 p.m. at Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad St, Plainville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m., meeting directly at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 94 Broad St, Plainville. For online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.PlainvilleFuneralHome.com
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