Bayonne resident, decorated war veteran, and former Hudson County official Ken Chmielewski has died at the age of 89.
Mayor James Davis offered his condolences to Chmielewski’s family.
“I was very sorry to learn of the passing of former Hudson County Register Ken Chmielewski, who also served as Vice President of the Bayonne Board of Education,” Davis said.
“I had become very friendly with Mr. Chmelweski over the last few years and thoroughly enjoyed our time together. I am a better man because of him, and I will miss him terribly.”
A lifelong Bayonne resident
Chmielewski graduated from Bayonne High School, playing three sports. He helped the baseball team win the state championship in 1949.
During the Korean Conflict, Chmielewski held the rank of Sergeant in the 45th Infantry. For his service, he was awarded three Bronze Stars, the United States Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.
After the war, he earned his Master’s degree from Seton Hall University.
Chmielewski was elected to the Bayonne Board of Education and served as Vice President. During his tenure, he played a vital part in having the Pulaski wing of Bayonne High School rededicated.
He served as Hudson County Register from 1986 to 1996.
Chmielewski worked for Western Electric before transferring to Nassau Smelting in Staten Island. He retired as an executive with Lucent Technologies.
He belonged to many organizations, including the New York City Chamber of Commerce in Staten Island where he served as president; Korea War Veteran Association trustee; Catholic War Veterans Post 1924; Bayonne High School Football Alumni Association; New Frontier Democrats; lifetime member of the Mt. Carmel Lyceum, and numerous charitable organizations.
“He was a good friend and an outstanding member of the Bayonne community,” Davis said. “Ken was a lively presence at numerous civic events and represented Bayonne with distinction in county government.”
Chmielewski is survived by his wife Lorraine and his two children, Deborah and Gary.
“Ken’s son Gary has served Bayonne as a hardworking Public Works Director and Management Specialist,” Davis said.
“On behalf of the City of Bayonne, I would like to offer our condolences to the Chmielewski family and to Ken’s friends and former colleagues in county government.”
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