The Polish Americans Honored by the KF NE Chapter for 2024
For 2024, the Kosciuszko Foundation New England Chapter recognized two Polish Americans who have worked tirelessly to sustain, cultivate, and promote Polish culture, history, and presence in our communities and greater region. The two honorees also developed a strong friendship through their common cause and their diligent support of Polonia. Together, they leave a legacy to all who claim Polish ancestry and desire to respect those who came before us.
Edward Kasimir Dzielenski
If there is one phrase to describe Edward Kasimir Dzielenski, it is “selfless volunteerism.” For decades, he has given his time and talent to countless organizations whose collective missions are to sustain our ties to our Polish heritage. Like many of our forefathers and mothers, he embraces those qualities that many of us in the Polish community are familiar with—hard work, humility, and conviction. It is those attributes that Edward Dzielinski, a second generation Polish American, brought to the countless organizations he served.
For many years, he has been the treasurer of the Kosciuszko Foundation / New England Chapter and the Polish Center of Discovery and Learning; a member of the board for the Polish Genealogy Society of Massachusetts; a member of the American Association of Friends of Kosciuszko at West Point Military Academy, and the Polish American Foundation of Connecticut, Inc., among others.
With the same passion he has for Polonia, Ed has a profound appreciation for the natural world and strives to protect our ecosystem for current and future generations. In 2009, he was given the Hometown Hero Award for his dedication and service as the 23-year president of the Fannie Stebbins Wildlife Refuge that is now part of the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge and a National Natural Landmark. In 2013, he received the Premier Environmental Award by the Stebbins Board of Trustees.
He is a member of numerous clubs, including the Allen Bird Club, The Explorers Club, the Springfield Stars Club, and the Connecticut Valley Mineral Club, to name a few. In addition, he is a longtime member of the Pioneer Valley Stamp Club, and he is known for his collection which has a special focus on stamps from Poland.
Ed earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees in chemical engineering from the University of Connecticut, and he is retired from the former Monsanto Chemical Company. He lives in Longmeadow, MA, with his wife of 40 years, Nancy.
Anthony Krzystofik
The 2024 Polish American of the Year Award is presented posthumously to Anthony Krzystofik (1929-2023), and celebrates his outstanding achievements, leadership, and unwavering commitment to both the Polish American community and education. The son of Polish immigrants, he serves as a shining example of the positive impact that an individual can have when they embrace their cultural heritage and strive for excellence in all their endeavors.
Over the years, Anthony Krzystofik was involved in community organizations, cultural events, and educational initiatives, and worked tirelessly to preserve and promote the rich traditions and history of the Polish American community. He was a charter member of the Polish Center of Discovery and Learning, and an active member in the Polish Genealogy Society of Massachusetts, the Kosciuszko Foundation / New England Chapter, and the Polish Institute of Arts and Sciences in America. A respected voice in meetings and gatherings, he was the consummate gentleman who provided both common sense and wise counsel.
An accomplished accountant, Anthony Krzystofik began his career as a CPA for the Hitchcock Company. In time, he left the business world and began teaching at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he served as chair of the accounting department, and the president of the Massachusetts Society of CPAs. He not only demonstrated proficiency in his profession, but also served as a mentor and guide to countless students, inspiring them to pursue careers in finance and accounting. After retiring, Tony continued to share his experience and knowledge in accounting and taught in Poland, Greece, and France.
A World War II veteran, Anthony Krzystofik earned his bachelor’s degree from American International College, and his master’s degree from the University of Connecticut. A devoted family man, he was married to his wife, Peg, for seventy years, and resided in Hadley, MA.
