Brother Gerald Buraczewski, M.S., 82, a Missionary of Our Lady of La Salette, died May 15, 2017 at Hartford House in Hartford, Connecticut. He was born June 18, 1934 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, son of the late Gerald and Sophie (Kryscio) Buraczewski. As a young man, he worked as a meat cutter in a supermarket, but had a desire for the religious life. He talked with his pastor, who suggested that he visit the Missionaries of La Salette. He expressed his desire to join the La Salette Community and on June 20, 1957, he entered the Novitiate at the La Salette Seminary in Olivet, Illinois. He made his First Profession of Vows on June 21, 1958 and pronounced his Perpetual Vows on September 21, 1963.
After ministering as food manager in Olivet for ten years, he assisted in the opening of the La Salette Center in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin. Here, he worked as food manager, candle maker, cookie maker and overseer of the Festival of Lights for thirty years. His management, leadership and culinary skills led to many successful fund raisers for the Center and fed the many pilgrims who visited there. From Twin Lakes, Brother Jerry worked at the La Salette Milwaukee House for fifteen years as cook and maintenance manager with care of the entire property. In addition to this, he also assisted the local church of St. Paul as sacristan and helped the St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Holy Name Society. When the Milwaukee House closed, Brother Jerry came to Hartford House. The great testimony of his vocation
in La Salette was the love, kindness and generosity displayed in all that he did. In addition to his La Salette Community, Brother Jerry is survived by a sister, Dolores Nakielski of Wisconsin and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three sisters, Dorothy Bergen, Rosemary Van Haag and Arleen Pokrzywinski and two brothers, Gene and Chester Buraczewski. A Mass of the Resurrection will be concelebrated on Thursday, May 18, 2017, at 10:30 am in the Hartford House Chapel at 85 New Park Avenue, Hartford. Burial will be at Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery in Bloomfield. Calling hours will be held from 9:15 to 10:15 am, prior to the Funeral Mass. Contributions in his memory may be made to: Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette Retirement Fund, 915 Maple Avenue, Hartford, CT 06114-2330. To share a memory with the Community or family, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com.